India’s electric passenger vehicle market experienced a significant 57% year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing the overall passenger vehicle growth of 13%. This growth was primarily driven by factors such as superior charging infrastructure, competitive pricing, and connectivity features, as per a report by CyberMedia Research (CMR). Connected electric vehicles (EVs) saw a remarkable 67% year-on-year increase, while digital cluster adoption spiked by 55%, with penetration levels rising from 35% to 48%.
The surge in connected EVs has positioned the passenger car as India’s second most crucial smart device, following smartphones. EVs played a pivotal role in the digital cluster adoption growth, registering a 60% increase. The report also emphasized a 49% rise in the adoption of advanced driver assistance systems, with Level 2 ADAS now being standard in 91% of equipped vehicles.
According to the report, EVs are projected to constitute 7-8% of India’s passenger vehicle market by the end of 2026, while connected vehicles are expected to capture a market share of 40-45%. The adoption of digital cockpits grew by 49%, with penetration levels climbing from 29% to 39%, emphasizing the importance of immersive in-cabin experiences as a key driver for purchases.
India’s passenger vehicle market remains predominantly value-oriented, with around 97% of volumes concentrated in the sub-Rs 30 lakh segment. Amit Sharma, Senior Analyst at CMR’s Smart Mobility Practice, highlighted the ongoing transformation in India’s automotive market driven by the convergence of electrification, connectivity, and premiumization. Sharma emphasized the need for continued investments in charging infrastructure, supply-chain resilience, and balanced policy support for future growth.
