Not too long ago, the idea of owning an electric vehicle in India felt like a distant dream. Fast forward to 2025 and that dream has become a daily reality. Electric scooters glide through traffic. EVs are quietly charging in residential complexes. Buses powered by clean energy are becoming part of everyday commutes. India’s shift to electric mobility is no longer just on the horizon. It is here, and it is growing faster than anyone expected.
This transformation is being shaped by a powerful mix of fresh talent and deep-rooted experience. Startups have brought in new energy and ideas, while legacy automakers have stepped up to reimagine what they can offer in this new era. Together, they are driving India’s emergence as a serious player in the global EV space.
The Bold Beginners Turning Heads
In many ways, the real story begins with the newcomers. A few years ago, these were small teams working out of co-working spaces, asking big questions. Why can’t India lead the world in affordable EVs? What if we built everything from scratch, right here? How do we solve problems like range anxiety or lack of charging points in a way that works for our cities?
Today, these questions have turned into fully operational answers. New-age EV manufacturers are building smart, stylish vehicles designed for Indian roads and Indian lives. They are doing more than making electric two-wheelers or compact city cars. They are creating complete experiences. Digital-first platforms. Mobile charging support. Intuitive vehicle tech. And strong service networks that meet people where they are.
These players are not just reacting to the market. They are shaping it. They understand that to win trust in India, you need more than performance. You need convenience, reliability, and value.
The Veterans Who Chose to Reinvent
While the newcomers have been turning heads, the older players have been quietly reinventing themselves. Companies that have spent decades building engines and fuel tanks are now investing in electric drivetrains and battery innovation. They are launching entire portfolios of electric vehicles, building EV-dedicated manufacturing lines, and collaborating with tech partners to stay ahead of the curve.
What makes their evolution exciting is the blend of scale and agility. They know how to build at volume. They have the trust of millions. And now, they are channeling that strength toward cleaner, smarter vehicles that appeal to the modern Indian consumer.
For many of them, this shift is not just a business decision. It is a statement of purpose. A commitment to being part of the solution to climate change and urban pollution. And that makes a real difference.
Policy Meets Progress
None of this would have been possible without policy support. Over the past few years, the Indian government has taken clear and consistent steps to encourage electric mobility. Incentives for buyers. Production-linked schemes for battery makers. Investment in charging infrastructure. State-level policies that promote EV adoption and manufacturing.
This kind of support has given companies the confidence to invest. It has also attracted global interest. Investors see India not just as a growing EV market but as a potential hub for innovation and manufacturing. And with the world moving steadily toward electricity, India’s timing could not be better.
Beyond Vehicles: A Whole Ecosystem in Motion
The rise of EVs in India is not just about vehicles. It is about everything around them. Charging stations are popping up in malls, offices, and along highways. Battery-swapping stations are gaining popularity in urban areas, especially for delivery and ride-hailing services. Software platforms are being built to monitor vehicle performance and manage energy consumption.
There is also a growing conversation around recycling batteries, integrating renewable energy into charging grids, and making EVs more accessible in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. These are the next frontiers, and innovators are already working on solutions.
Looking Ahead
Of course, there are still challenges. Building local supply chains for critical EV components. Creating standard protocols for charging. Raising awareness in regions where EVs are still new. But if the last few years are any indication, India’s EV industry is more than capable of rising to the occasion.
The momentum we see in 2025 is not a trend. It is a tectonic shift in how the country moves, works, and plans for the future. The energy is real. The ambition is strong. And the collaboration between new and established players is something truly special. This is not just a story about the rise of electric vehicles. It is a story about what happens when innovation meets intent. When fresh thinking joins forces with experience. And when a country decides to move forward together.
BY Yogesh Bhatia, MD, and CEO, LML
