The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market is on the brink of a major transformation. Over the past couple of years, India has witnessed a steady, albeit cautious, shift towards electric mobility. With government initiatives, improved charging infrastructure, and a growing consumer base that is warming up to EVs, the stage is set for 2025 to be a breakout year. While recent successes like Mahindra’s competitively priced EVs and the meteoric rise of the MG Windsor have laid the foundation, the upcoming year promises to be even more electrifying.
A slew of new launches from some of the most prominent automakers is expected to intensify the EV rush in India. From cutting-edge electric SUVs to reimagined classics, the upcoming lineup caters to a broad spectrum of buyers and addresses long-standing concerns like range, affordability, and practicality.
Mahindra’s Game-Changing EV Launches
Mahindra has already created ripples in the EV space with the launch of its new electric SUVs—the XEV 9e and the BE 6e. The BE 6e, introduced under Mahindra’s Born Electric (BE) sub-brand, came with an attractive price tag of ₹18.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Meanwhile, the XEV 9e, positioned at ₹21.90 lakh, has emerged as a bold challenger to luxury electric cars that sit in the much pricier ₹70-80 lakh segment.
What makes the XEV 9e particularly exciting is its robust set of features. Offering two battery pack options—59 kWh and 79 kWh—it promises an impressive range of up to 550 km on a single charge. Coupled with an electric powertrain delivering 288 bhp and 380 Nm of torque, it can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 6.7 seconds. By blending performance with affordability, Mahindra is challenging the status quo and redefining expectations for Indian EV buyers.
MG Windsor: The Success Story That Redefined EV Adoption
MG Windsor’s success in 2024 is worth noting as it sets the tone for the upcoming EV launches. With 3,116 units sold in October 2024 alone, Windsor emerged as the highest-selling electric vehicle in India, thanks to its perfect balance of features and pricing.
What’s more compelling is Windsor’s appeal beyond India’s metro cities. As Satinder Singh Bajwa, Chief Commercial Officer of JSW MG Motor India, pointed out, almost half of Windsor’s sales came from Tier II and III cities. This growing acceptance of EVs in smaller towns and semi-urban areas marks a critical shift, indicating that EVs are no longer niche products restricted to affluent urban consumers.
MG has also introduced an innovative battery rental model, a move aimed at reducing the upfront cost of EVs and broadening their appeal. This strategy has been a key factor in driving Windsor’s popularity and could inspire similar models across the industry.
As we look to 2025, Windsor’s success serves as a playbook for other automakers. Competitive pricing, strong features, and an aggressive expansion strategy will likely remain key ingredients for the upcoming launches.
The 5 Hot EV Launches To Watch Out For in 2025
Here are the five most anticipated EVs slated to hit Indian roads in 2025, poised to take electric mobility to new heights:
1. Hyundai Creta EV
Expected to launch in January 2025, Hyundai’s Creta EV is one of the most awaited electric SUVs in the mid-range segment. Positioned to replace the now-discontinued Kona EV, the Creta EV is estimated to start at ₹25 lakh (ex-showroom). Featuring a 45 kWh battery pack and a single motor powering the front wheels, it promises a combination of performance and affordability that could make it a volume driver for Hyundai in India’s EV space.
The Creta EV’s familiarity—drawing on the success of its ICE counterpart—and Hyundai’s robust service network will likely bolster consumer confidence in the model.
2. Tata Harrier EV
Tata Motors, which has emerged as a frontrunner in India’s EV market with models like the Nexon EV, is set to take things up a notch with the Harrier EV. Slated for a March 2025 launch, this all-electric avatar of the popular Harrier SUV is expected to carry a price tag of around ₹30 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Harrier EV is anticipated to combine Tata’s proven EV technology with the rugged styling and space of the ICE Harrier, making it an enticing proposition for SUV lovers looking to make the switch to electric.
3. Mahindra XEV 9e Higher Variants
Building on the buzz created by its base variant, Mahindra is set to roll out higher-spec variants of the XEV 9e in 2025. The mid-range Pack Two variant, featuring a 79 kWh battery, is expected to start at ₹24.90 lakh, while the top-end Pack Three variant may be priced at ₹26.40 lakh. These versions will likely come equipped with additional features, extended range, and further refinements to cater to premium buyers.
4. Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara
In what could be a defining moment for India’s EV market, Maruti Suzuki will make its much-anticipated foray into the electric SUV segment with the e-Vitara. Set to launch in March 2025, the e-Vitara is estimated to start at ₹18-20 lakh (ex-showroom).
Maruti’s stronghold in India’s automotive space, combined with its extensive sales and service network, could help catapult EV adoption among mainstream buyers. For many consumers, Maruti Suzuki remains synonymous with reliability and affordability, and the e-Vitara will likely leverage this trust.
5. Tata Sierra EV
For those with a sense of nostalgia, Tata’s revival of the Sierra nameplate in an all-electric avatar is sure to stir excitement. Expected to debut towards the end of 2025 at a price of around ₹28 lakh, the Sierra EV promises to blend retro-inspired design cues with modern EV technology.
The Sierra EV is likely to stand out not just for its design but also for its spacious cabin and next-generation features. Tata Motors has already proven its EV expertise, and the Sierra EV could help it strengthen its leadership in the segment.
Why 2025 Could Be a Breakout Year for EVs in India
The confluence of these launches and ongoing market developments suggests that 2025 could be a pivotal year for India’s EV industry. Here’s why:
1. Diverse Options: From mid-range SUVs like the Creta EV to premium offerings like the XEV 9e, automakers are catering to a broad spectrum of buyers.
2. Competitive Pricing: Most of these EVs are priced between ₹18-30 lakh, making them accessible to a larger audience.
3. Improved Technology: Better range, fast-charging capabilities, and feature-rich interiors address many of the concerns that consumers had about EVs.
4. Brand Power: The entry of trusted names like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai into the EV space is expected to boost consumer confidence significantly.
5. Government Support: Policies such as subsidies and incentives for EV buyers, coupled with expanding charging infrastructure, are likely to drive adoption.
6. Growing Awareness: The success of models like the MG Windsor in smaller towns is a sign that EVs are becoming mainstream beyond metros.
7. Innovative Models: Pricing strategies like battery rentals could make EV ownership even more financially viable.
While challenges such as infrastructure gaps and supply chain disruptions remain, the roadmap for 2025 looks promising. If manufacturers deliver on their promises of competitive pricing, superior technology, and accessibility, 2025 could very well be the year that India’s EV revolution shifts into high gear. For automakers, consumers, and policymakers alike, the next year will be one to watch closely as electric mobility takes center stage in the country’s automotive narrative.
