India’s electric passenger vehicle market surges 57% in early 2026 amid rapid digital adoption

India’s electric passenger vehicle (EV) market recorded a 57 per cent year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2026, significantly outpacing the overall passenger vehicle market growth of 13 per cent. The expansion was supported by improved charging infrastructure, competitive pricing, and rising connectivity features, according to IANS, a partner of TV BRICS.

The study highlighted a sharp rise in connected EV adoption, which grew 67 per cent year-on-year. Digital cluster penetration also increased from 35 per cent to 48 per cent, while overall adoption of digital clusters climbed 55 per cent. EVs have now emerged as India’s second most important smart device category after smartphones, reflecting the growing integration of mobility and digital ecosystems, reports the source.

Technological integration continued to accelerate across vehicle safety systems, with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) adoption rising by 49 per cent. Level 2 ADAS has now become standard in 91 per cent of equipped vehicles.

The report estimates that electric vehicles will account for 7–8 per cent of India’s passenger vehicle market by the end of 2026, while connected vehicles are projected to capture 40–45 per cent of market share. Digital cockpit adoption also increased by 49 per cent, rising from 29 per cent to 39 per cent, as immersive in-car experiences become a key purchasing factor.

Expert noted that India’s automotive sector is undergoing structural transformation driven by electrification, connectivity, and premiumisation. According to him, sustained growth will depend on continued investment in charging infrastructure, supply chain resilience, and balanced policy support.