India’s electric vehicle market is moving into a new phase, with manufacturers expanding beyond premium EVs and targeting more affordable segments. Alongside new electric cars, plug-in hybrids and high-performance electric two-wheelers are also gaining attention.
The latest developments include VinFast working on affordable India-specific EVs, the Mahindra XEV 9S continuing to lead electric car registrations, JSW preparing a rugged plug-in hybrid SUV and Ultraviolette announcing a major manufacturing expansion.
Here are the biggest EV developments to watch.
VinFast Working on Sub-₹10 Lakh EVs
VinFast is preparing to expand its Indian EV portfolio with more affordable models.
The company is reportedly working on two India-specific electric cars, internally referred to as VFX and VFY. The VFX is expected to be positioned below the ₹10 lakh mark, putting it directly into one of India’s most competitive EV segments.
If launched around this price point, the VFX could target buyers considering models such as the Tata Punch EV and Tata Tiago EV.
The move would also give VinFast a presence beyond the premium EV segment. The company has already introduced models such as the VF 6 and VF 7 in India and is expanding its local operations. VinFast has also filed patents in India for updated versions of the VF 6 and VF 9.
An affordable electric car could therefore become an important part of the company’s long-term strategy in India.
Mahindra XEV 9S Leads August EV Sales
The Mahindra XEV 9S emerged as India’s best-selling electric passenger vehicle in August 2026 for the second consecutive month.
According to August Vahan registration data, the XEV 9S recorded 3,743 registrations, ahead of the Tata Punch EV with 3,468 units and MG Windsor with 3,224 units.
August 2026 EV Sales
| Rank | Model | August Registrations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mahindra XEV 9S | 3,743 |
| 2 | Tata Punch EV | 3,468 |
| 3 | MG Windsor EV | 3,224 |
Interestingly, all three models recorded lower registrations compared with July. The XEV 9S declined by around 7.4 percent, while the Punch EV fell by 12.9 percent and the Windsor dropped by 19.8 percent.
The XEV 9S’s performance is particularly notable because it starts above ₹20 lakh, considerably higher than several EVs that compete on price.
The 79kWh battery versions also accounted for more than 80 percent of the model’s August registrations, indicating strong demand for higher-capacity battery variants.
Xiaomi Shows a New Approach to Long-Range SUVs
Xiaomi has introduced an unusual large range-extended plug-in hybrid SUV in China.
The approximately 5.2-metre-long SUV combines a large battery with a range-extender setup and focuses heavily on lifestyle-oriented features rather than simply transportation.
The vehicle is equipped with a 76kWh battery, while the combined motor output is rated at around 310kW. The claimed 0–100km/h acceleration time is approximately 5.6 seconds.
One of its biggest highlights is its claimed combined range of around 1,700km, with approximately 464km available in pure electric driving.
A Mobile Living Room
The SUV takes the idea of an adventure vehicle to another level.
Its unusual equipment includes a two-storey arrangement with a pop-up roof tent, allowing the vehicle to function as a temporary campsite.
There is also a “Living Room Mode” that allows seats to be arranged around a central table, while a separate “Bed Mode” turns the cabin into a resting space.
An integrated projector, zero-gravity seating and Xiaomi’s HyperOS further reinforce the technology-focused approach.
While such a vehicle is unlikely to become a direct mass-market product in India, it demonstrates how manufacturers are increasingly combining electric powertrains with lifestyle and connected-car technology.
JSW Combat: A Rugged Plug-In Hybrid SUV
JSW is preparing to introduce its first SUV based on the Jetour T2, expected to be called the Combat.
The SUV is expected to retain the rugged, boxy styling of the global T2, with JSW-specific changes to the grille, lights, bumpers and branding.
The Combat is expected to use a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors.
In global Jetour T2 specification, the system produces up to 360hp and 610Nm, although final India-spec specifications are yet to be confirmed.
The global T2 PHEV uses an 18.4kWh battery in one specification and offers a claimed pure-electric range of around 90km, while the combined range is claimed at around 1,200km.
The Combat is expected to arrive around the festive season and could be positioned as a more modern alternative to traditional SUVs such as the Toyota Fortuner.
Pricing is expected to be in the ₹30–50 lakh region, although the final positioning and specifications will be announced closer to launch.
Ultraviolette Announces Major Manufacturing Expansion
Ultraviolette is also preparing for a significant expansion in India’s electric two-wheeler market.
The company has announced an investment of around ₹1,000 crore as part of its manufacturing expansion, including a new facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The new BIGGA Factory is planned with an initial annual production capacity of 2.5 lakh vehicles, with infrastructure designed to eventually scale to 5 lakh units annually.
The plant will initially support production of the upcoming Tesseract electric scooter and future models across different motorcycle and scooter categories.
Ultraviolette is also expanding its existing Bengaluru facility. Combined production capacity is expected to reach around 3 lakh vehicles annually by the middle of 2027.
The company’s expansion indicates that it is preparing to move beyond its current premium performance-oriented positioning and target higher-volume segments.
More EV Developments to Watch
Several other developments are also taking place across India’s electric mobility industry.
Bajaj Chetak C25
The Bajaj Chetak C25 has reportedly been registered as a moped in Brazil, highlighting the company’s growing international ambitions for its electric two-wheeler portfolio.
Hyundai Creta EV
Hyundai has introduced a Launch Edition for the Creta Electric, adding another variant to its expanding electric SUV lineup.
Begoss C12 Max R
The electric scooter segment continues to expand, with the Begoss C12 Max R launched at around ₹1.46 lakh.
Bounce Returns to Scooter Rentals
Bounce is returning to the electric scooter rental market with a fleet of around 14,000 electric scooters, marking another push towards shared electric mobility.
Ather Electric Motorcycle
Ather Energy has confirmed plans for an electric motorcycle, although the launch is expected only around 2029.
The move could eventually take the company beyond its established electric scooter business.
BMW’s EV Ambitions
BMW expects electric vehicles to account for around 30 percent of its sales in the second half of 2026, reflecting the increasing importance of EVs in the premium segment.
India’s EV Market Is Getting More Diverse
The latest developments show how quickly India’s EV market is expanding beyond a simple petrol-versus-electric conversation.
Affordable EVs such as the upcoming VinFast VFX could bring electric mobility to a wider audience, while models such as the XEV 9S demonstrate that customers are also willing to spend more on larger electric SUVs.
At the same time, plug-in hybrids such as the upcoming JSW Combat are attempting to combine electric driving with the convenience of a petrol engine and long-distance range.
The two-wheeler industry is moving in a similar direction, with manufacturers investing heavily in new factories and expanding into scooters, motorcycles and international markets.
With more affordable EVs, larger electric SUVs, plug-in hybrids and new electric two-wheelers arriving over the next few years, India’s electric mobility landscape is likely to become considerably more diverse.