EV industry zooms ahead in Bharat: Record 2.34 lakh sales in October signal 2 million milestone by year end

India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution continues to gather pace. According to data from the Vahan portal, the EV industry clocked its highest-ever monthly sales in October 2025 with 2,34,274 units, surpassing the previous record of 2,19,722 units in October 2024. This remarkable performance comes despite market headwinds such as the revised GST 2.0 framework, which reduced prices of petrol and diesel vehicles but kept EVs under a 5 percent GST slab. The fact that electric mobility sales surged even under these conditions highlights the sector’s growing strength, public trust, and the effectiveness of the government’s clean energy transition initiatives. On average, 7,557 electric vehicles were sold daily across India in October, a figure that positions the country among the world’s fastest-growing EV markets. Government’s green vision fuelling the surge Many attribute this growth to the central government’s sustained policy support, including fiscal incentives, infrastructure expansion, and a focus on self-reliance under “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. Schemes such as FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles), Production Linked Incentives (PLI) for advanced chemistry cell batteries, and investments in charging infrastructure have provided the backbone for this transformation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 has led to a comprehensive approach, one that not only promotes alternative fuels and electric mobility but also empowers Indian manufacturers to innovate and compete globally. The government’s supportive stance is reflected in the growing participation of both legacy automakers and new-age EV startups, signalling a mature and resilient market ecosystem. Two-wheelers continue to dominate Electric two-wheelers remained the driving force of India’s EV story, contributing 61 percent of total sales in October. The segment sold 1.43 lakh units, a 3 percent increase over the same month last year. This marks the third time in history that monthly e-two-wheeler sales have crossed the 1.4 lakh mark, solidifying their dominance as the most accessible and affordable segment of electric mobility. From Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor to Ather Energy, Hero MotoCorp, Ola Electric, and Greaves Electric Mobility, the top six players together controlled 89% of the market share, a sign of healthy competition and brand trust. Between January and October 2025, India sold 1.06 million e-two-wheelers, 11% higher year-on-year. Many expect the industry to surpass 1.25 million units by December 2025, setting a new record. Three-wheelers achieve best-ever month Electric three-wheelers (e-3Ws), a key pillar of India’s urban mobility and logistics ecosystem, also posted their best performance yet. The segment sold 70,604 units in October, growing 5 percent year-on-year. Representing 30 percent of all EV sales, e-3Ws continue to empower small entrepreneurs and last-mile delivery networks with affordable, clean, and efficient alternatives to diesel autos. Between January and October 2025, e-3W sales reached 6.26 lakh units, up 10 percent over last year. Projections suggest that the segment could cross 7.5 lakh units by year-end. Major contributors include Mahindra Last Mile Mobility, YC Electric, Bajaj Auto, and TVS Motor, each playing a vital role in electrifying India’s mobility chain. The passenger EV segment showed impressive recovery with 17,942 units sold in October, a 57 percent year-on-year increase. The festive season, coupled with improving infrastructure and consumer confidence, drove this rebound. Market leader Tata Motors maintained a commanding 40 percent share, followed by JSW MG Motor India, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Kia India, which reported robust demand for the Carens Clavis EV. The entry of international brands like Tesla and VinFast has further energised the market, enhancing consumer choice and pushing domestic manufacturers to innovate faster. Commercial EVs record triple-digit growth The most striking surge came from the electric commercial vehicle (e-CV) category, which witnessed a 121 percent year-on-year growth, reaching 1,902 units in October. The demand for light goods carriers skyrocketed by 239 percent, driven by India’s booming e-commerce sector and rising adoption of electric fleets for last-mile delivery. Although electric bus sales dipped 28 percent due to fewer state transport orders, the government’s continued emphasis on electrifying public transport through schemes like PM-eBus Sewa is expected to revive this segment soon. India nears the 2 million annual milestone From January to October 2025, total EV sales reached 18.46 lakh units, reflecting a 14 percent year-on-year increase. With only about 1.53 lakh units needed to touch the 2-million milestone, the industry is expected to achieve it by November, a full month ahead of schedule. By the end of 2025, India’s total EV sales are projected to touch 2.15 million units, setting an unprecedented benchmark in the country’s clean mobility journey. What makes this growth particularly noteworthy is that it comes in the wake of GST 2.0, which reduced taxes on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, making them temporarily more price-competitive. Yet, EVs have retained and even expanded their market share, reflecting rising consumer awareness, growing charging networks, and confidence in the technology. Industry leaders credit the government’s holistic approach, which combines fiscal support, R&D investment, and sustainability targets, for keeping the sector on track despite short-term disruptions. The EV revolution is a critical component of India’s larger energy transition strategy, complementing renewable energy generation, hydrogen fuel innovation, and green industrialisation. The government’s continued investments in battery recycling, green hydrogen production, and EV manufacturing clusters are positioning India as a global hub for clean mobility solutions. With the right mix of incentives, infrastructure, and public awareness, India could soon emerge as the third-largest EV market globally, after China and the United States. Decade of transformation in motion India’s record-breaking EV sales in October 2025 underscore a clear message, the nation’s shift towards cleaner, smarter, and self-reliant mobility is irreversible. With supportive policies, ambitious industrial participation, and rising public adoption, the government’s vision of “Green Growth for Viksit Bharat” is steadily taking shape. The year 2025 may well be remembered as the turning point when India’s EV ecosystem moved from being a niche to a national movement driving not just vehicles, but the nation itself toward a sustainable future.