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April 2026 Sees Sharp Rise in Electric Car and Two-Wheeler Sales
New Delhi: Electric vehicle demand in India remained robust in April, continuing the momentum seen in previous months. According to the data from the government-run Vahan portal, electric car registrations rose 47 percent year-on-year to 18,041 units, while the electric two-wheeler volumes increased 28 percent to 129,035 units.
Industry estimates suggest these numbers could climb further as pending registrations are processed, potentially pushing growth to nearly 50 percent for electric cars and over 30 percent for two-wheelers.
The strong April performance follows a high base in March, when electric car sales grew 68 percent and electric two-wheeler volumes rose 45 percent. Typically, demand moderates after the financial year-end, but this year has been different.
Sustained demand beyond March indicates a deeper shift in consumer preferences rather than seasonal buying patterns linked to tax benefits or inventory clearance.
A key factor behind the continued growth is the sharp rise in global fuel prices. Crude oil prices have surged by 55-60 percent since early March, while natural gas prices have increased by about 50 percent amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Fatih Birol noted that the current energy situation is more severe than previous crises in 1973, 1979 and 2022. While countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Japan have increased fuel prices, India has so far maintained a freeze though analysts warn this may not last if global prices remain high.
Automakers have responded quickly to rising demand by expanding their EV portfolios. Recent launches include the Tata Punch.ev and the Royal Enfield Flying Flea, among others.
The broader trend remains positive. Electric passenger vehicle sales reached 200,000 units in FY26, marking an 87 percent increase, while electric two-wheeler volumes rose to 1.4 million units.
Industry experts attribute the sustained demand to lower running costs, improved charging infrastructure, and rising awareness about energy security. Despite limited new policy incentives, consistent growth in inquiries and bookings signals strong long-term potential for India’s EV market.
