How Chinese EV Makers Are Powering India’s Electric Revolution

Chinese automakers like BYD, MG Motor, and Volvo have captured a third of India’s EV market within two years, challenging domestic leaders Tata and Mahindra. Their focus on technology, localization, and affordability has boosted India’s EV adoption. Collaboration between Indian and Chinese manufacturers is accelerating innovation, making shared ownership central to India’s growing electric mobility future.

China’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are rapidly accelerating their presence in India’s burgeoning passenger EV market — one long dominated by domestic titans Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra.

In a matter of just two years, Chinese-backed automakers including BYD, MG Motor, and Volvo Cars have surged ahead of their South Korean and German competitors to capture nearly one-third of India’s EV market. With buyers increasingly drawn to advanced features, extended range, and robust reliability, the appeal of these brands has been unmistakable.

A Surge of New Entrants

The momentum doesn’t stop there. Chinese players such as Xpeng, Great Wall Motors, and Haima are evaluating opportunities to enter India, encouraged by a recent thaw in diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Beijing. Industry experts note that these entrants are not just adding to consumer choice — they’re also pushing the Indian EV ecosystem toward faster innovation, better battery technology, and more premium product offerings.

MG Motor: The Early Mover Advantage

Among the first to gain traction was MG Motor, a British brand now under China’s SAIC ownership. By blending affordability with advanced features, MG swiftly became the most successful Chinese-backed marque in India.

“Our growth momentum in India is built around a strong focus on customer needs and local innovation,” said Vinay Raina, Chief Commercial Officer at JSW MG Motor India, a joint venture between India’s JSW Group and SAIC. Raina emphasized that localization — sourcing and assembling more parts domestically — has been key to maintaining a competitive edge.

Local Expertise, Global Resources

This hybrid approach of local insight and global engineering is paying off. BYD, one of the world’s largest EV manufacturers, has steadily expanded in India, benefiting from fleet sales and a growing appetite for electric commercial vehicles.

Meanwhile, Volvo Cars, though Swedish in origin, is owned by China’s Geely and has carved out its own premium niche. The brand’s managing director for India, Jyoti Malhotra, said Volvo’s growth has been anchored by loyal customers and its commitment to electrification. The company plans to unveil one new electric model each year — all assembled locally to cater to Indian preferences.

Volvo’s continued attention to consumer feedback, pricing, and customization has allowed it to build steady traction in the luxury EV segment.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The transformation is remarkable. Chinese manufacturers had zero market share in India’s battery-electric vehicle segment as recently as 2019. As of October 2025, they account for over 33% of BEV sales, totaling 57,260 vehicles, according to data from Jato Dynamics.

However, Indian-owned companies still maintain the upper hand, with 101,724 BEVs sold in the same period — a substantial rise from 74,442 units in 2024. “Domestic players have succeeded through deep localization, affordability, policy support, and expansive distribution,” noted Ravi Bhatia, President of Jato Dynamics.

A Co-Driven Future

India’s EV trajectory is increasingly being shaped by collaboration as much as competition. China’s technological prowess, combined with India’s vast market and policy support, is driving unprecedented growth. By October 2025, total BEV sales reached 174,835 units, signaling a new stage in which company ownership and investment partnerships are becoming decisive factors.

Despite lingering geopolitical sensitivities, both Indian and Chinese stakeholders appear committed to India’s electrified future. Experts predict that Chinese automakers will further localize operations and introduce new models custom-tailored for Indian drivers.

As infrastructure improves and consumer confidence rises, India’s EV scene continues to attract global attention. Newer market entrants like Tesla and VinFast, though currently contributing modestly — with 165 and 112 units sold respectively by October — could soon find themselves in a more dynamic, competitive environment.

Ultimately, India’s EV story is becoming less about where automakers come from and more about who is driving change today. As Bhatia aptly put it, “The country’s electric future will be defined by Indian and Chinese ownership — together steering the next decade of clean mobility.”