2025 may be the year of EVs in India, dominated by SUV launches

After 2024 raised questions about EV adoption, 2025 is poised to see a surge in electric vehicles (EVs), with green cars launching across various price ranges, most of them SUVs. Nearly every carmaker—latecomer Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, luxury brands Mercedes and Audi, local giants Mahindra and Tata Motors, and China's BYD—plans to roll out EVs. This wave comes despite concerns over slow adoption and limited charging infrastructure.

Elon Musk's Tesla may also test the Indian market with imported models, as reports suggest the company is scouting for retail locations.

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The government’s push for clean mobility, driven by worries over pollution and fuel import costs, has accelerated EV adoption. Companies are also under pressure to meet stricter emission norms or face heavy penalties. While petrol, diesel, hybrids, and CNG cars will still launch, EVs will steal the spotlight in 2025.

Much of the EV action kicks off in mid-January at the Bharat Mobility Auto Show, where several new models will debut. Among the highlights is Maruti Suzuki’s first pure Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), the eVitara. Promising a range of over 500 km and priced above ₹15 lakh, Maruti’s EV strategy aims to be “much different” from others.

Mahindra, a longstanding EV promoter, will launch some of its most advanced models this year. Hyundai plans to unveil the Creta EV. Tata Motors, the current EV leader, will introduce the Sierra SUV in electric and ICE versions, along with electric variants of the Harrier and possibly the Safari, all priced above ₹20 lakh.

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High-end EVs will also make waves. Mercedes will launch the G580 Electric G, known for its 360-degree "G-Turn Ballet," making it one of the most powerful and aspirational EVs in India.

JSW MG is expanding its EV lineup with the Cyberster sports car and Mifa MPV, which will be sold through new 'Select' concept stores.

BYD, which currently sells imported EVs in India, is expected to launch two new models: the Denza N9 plug-in hybrid and the Bao 3 electric, adding to its Seal electric sedan and Atto 3 SUV.

Audi will strengthen its green lineup with the Q6 e-tron SUV and RS e-tron GT, while Skoda is set to launch the Enyaq.

On the petrol and hybrid side, notable launches include Kia’s Syros SUV, which currently offers petrol and diesel versions, with an EV variant expected next year. Tata Motors is also likely to launch petrol versions of the Safari and Harrier, and Nissan may bring its legendary Patrol SUV to India.

BYD will debut in the hybrid space with the Denza N9 plug-in hybrid. Mercedes plans to launch the powerful CLE53 AMG, and Audi will introduce the RSQ8 SUV.

(with ToI inputs)