The latest Canalys Automotive Analysis data shows that India’s light vehicle market grew by 23% in 2022 to 3.8 million units. Initially, electric vehicles (EVs) occupied 1.3% of the Indian market share but the market grew by a phenomenal 223% in 2022 by adding 48,000 EVs.
“The overall sentiment around the auto industry remained strong in India during 2022, propelled by pent-up demand and rising consumer buying power,” said Canalys Automotive Analyst, Ashwin Amberkar. “It is exciting times in the Indian market. New cars have premium infotainment, connectivity and driver assistance features, and there is a good appetite for new technology amongst premium buyers, despite potential economic headwinds.”
“The Indian electric vehicle market is in its nascent stage,” said Amberkar. “Tata leads in EVs with 86% market share from just two models, the Nexon EV and Tigore EV, followed by MG’s ZS EV and Hyundai’s Kona with 9% and 1.6% respectively. The most successful EVs from Tata are under US$20,000 which is the sweet spot among buyers wanting a second, city commute car. Brands such as MG, Hyundai, KIA and BYD are offering premium EVs costing over US$25,000 which predominantly attracts wealthy eco-conscious professionals and EV enthusiasts.”
Luxury brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz sell globally popular EV models in India, but in small volumes. Luxury brands grew by over 34% in 2022, with total vehicle sales reaching 36,000 units. Mercedes-Benz and BMW posted record sales but represented less than 1% of the total market.
The FAME India Phase II government scheme to promote nationwide rapid adoption of EVs through automakers’ incentives will continue to help establish the market until its expiration on 31 March 2024. Canalys forecasts that the EV market in India will grow to over 300,000 units in 2025, representing over a 6% share of the total light car market, achieving a CAGR of 59%.
In terms of manufacturer momentum, the number one Indian car maker, Maruti Suzuki, will focus on manufacturing hybrids and alternative fuel cars in 2023. It has unveiled its first electric SUV, but it will only launch it in 2025. The late entry to the market means it will lose ground to Tata, which is establishing itself now among the mid-market early EV adopters. Hyundai is second placed in the Indian car market and has already launched its second electric SUV IONIQ 5. Tata meanwhile continues its impressive EV momentum with plans to launch Harrier.EV by 2024 and Sierra.EV by 2025. Other major automakers such as Kia, Mahindra, MG and BYD have launched EVs in the Indian market and announced roadmaps to further proliferate them by 2025. But other brands such as Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Škoda, Nissan and Renault, which already have a global presence in the EV market, are yet to launch any in the domestic market. With competition heating up, they might miss out on early adoption loyalty.
