Electric Cars Account For 7% In Total Passenger Vehicle Sales In May 2026

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The rising fuel prices, improving charging infrastructure and elimination of range anxiety are the reasons behind the surge in EV sales

The electric car sales in India picked up in May 2026 as it accounted for nearly 7 percent of the total passenger vehicle volumes. It is the highest share of EVs in overall car sales in the last year or so. The rising fuel prices, improving charging infrastructure and elimination of range anxiety are considered to be the foremost reasons behind the surge in EV sales. A total of 21,953 units of all-electric battery-powered cars were sold in May as the overall passenger car retail volumes stood at 317,354 units.

The EV share in total car sales was at 4.1 percent and 4.2 percent in January and February. It is believed that the recent hike in petrol, diesel and CNG rates compelled the buyers to shift towards electric mobility. If we compare it on a YoY basis, the share of EVs in total car sales was at 4.7 percent in May 2025 which has now climbed up to 6.9 percent.

Even in March 2026, EVs grabbed 5.9 percent share in total passenger vehicle sales. This shift is not just limited to four-wheelers but also visible in the two-wheeler segment as electric models accounted for 8.9 percent of total sales in the scooter and motorcycle segment in May 2026. Just so you know, electric two-wheelers had a share of 6.7 percent in Jan 2026 two-wheeler sales.

Also Read: 2026 Tata Tiago ICE, CNG & Electric Facelifts Launching In India Tomorrow

The Indian two-wheeler industry recorded overall sales of more than 16 lakh units in May 2026. The e2w segment registered sales of 1.44 lakh units this month, which is a decent number, considering the lack of long range models. The EV penetration is rapidly growing in passenger vehicles as it has already increased by around 3 percentage points during the last four months.

The higher demand for electric vehicles clearly suggests that rising fuel prices are a major concern for the buyers. Though EVs still have not reached the double-digit share in four-wheeler sales, the swift rise in market share since the beginning of 2026 indicates that the transition is moving faster than overall vehicle demand growth.

Also Read: Honda To Introduce New SUVs, Hybrids & Electric Cars Soon In India

Several leading auto brands such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Mahindra offer electric cars with driving range of more than 500 km on a single charge. On the other hand, various other reputed auto companies like Tata Motors and MG Motor have rolled out affordable EVs with starting prices as low as Rs 6-7 lakh (ex-showroom). Automakers like Kia and BYD retail 7-seater family electric cars in the Indian market.

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3 New Compact SUVs With A Hybrid Powertrain In The Pipeline

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Following mid-size SUVs over the recent years, compact SUVs to start getting fuel-sipping electrification tech from next year

Hybrid powertrains have started becoming a popular choice among SUVs in India following the arrival of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryrder, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Maruti Victoris. While currently their availability is mainly to the mid-size segment, from next year, even compact SUVs will be available with a hybrid system.

In the first half of 2027, Maruti Suzuki is expected to introduce a facelifted version of the Fronx, and along with this major refresh, the company will likely roll out a hybrid powertrain. Unlike other hybrid cars sold in India, this one would feature series-hybrid technology, in which the petrol engine is not connected to the wheels and only used as a generator.

Media reports suggest the Fronx Hybrid will have a modified version of Maruti Suzuki’s Z12E 1.2-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine under the hood. There’s no word on the type or output of the electric motor that will be driving the front wheels, but this setup is expected to deliver a fuel economy of around 35 km/l, which would make it one of the most efficient cars in our market.

Also Read: 3 Upcoming Hyundai Hybrid SUVs You Should Wait For In India

Maruti Fronx Hybrid

In the second half of the year, Renault will launch the production version of the Bridger concept. Designed and engineered mainly for India, the Bridger will feature a squarish body, a high ground clearance, hidden rear door handles, and a truly spacious and generously equipped interior.

Renault has confirmed that it will offer a hybrid powertrain as an option in the Bridger, and media reports say the electrified variant’s motive power will come from a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Whether the company plans to give this option right from launch or introduce it a few months later remains to be seen.

Also Read: All-New Toyota Compact Land Cruiser SUV To Likely Debut In 2028

2026 Kia Sonet

Kia is working on the second-gen Sonet with plans to launch it in 2027. The company recently started testing the future model on public roads with prototypes featuring the final design. It has also recently confirmed that it will introduce a hybrid powertrain in the Sonet by 2029, and we expect that to happen only after the full model change due next year, sometime in 2028.

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3 Upcoming Hyundai Hybrid SUVs You Should Wait For In India

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Hyundai is planning to bring in a host of new hybrid SUVs to India over the next couple of years and here is a brief look at them

Nearly 80 per cent of India hybrid passenger vehicle volumes currently come from Toyota and Maruti Suzuki products – leaving a gap that Hyundai has not yet entered properly. It could change over the next few years as the Korean brand prepares three hybrid SUVs across separate price bands starting from the next generation Creta.

The most important model in this plan will be the Creta SX3 which is expected around 2027. The Creta already crossed two lakh annual sales in FY26 making it the only midsize SUV in India to reach the mark during the financial year. A hybrid version in this segment would therefore not be a niche addition. It would arrive inside one of the strongest selling SUV nameplates in the country.

The next-gen Creta will use a new K3 platform and is expected to grow in size compared to the current model to around 4.5 metres in length. Test mules have already suggested a larger body while the cabin will receive a deeper technology and material upgrade. Petrol, turbo petrol and diesel engines could remain unchanged but the hybrid variant will become the biggest mechanical upgrade.

Also Read: New Hyundai Creta Spied Alongside Existing Model Showing Big Size Difference

Hyundai is also preparing a larger three-row SUV internally known as Ni1i. It will sit above the Alcazar and below the recently discontinued Tucson giving the brand a new product in a higher family SUV category. A debut around late 2027 is expected and hybrid tech will be central to its positioning.cIt could use a modified version of Hyundai 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with electric assistance.

The system is expected to support electric only running at low speeds which should help fuel efficiency during city use. This same setup could move into the Creta and Seltos as well allowing Hyundai Motor Group to spread hybrid technology across higher volume models. At the upper end, Hyundai is studying the Palisade Hybrid for India.

Also Read: Hyundai And Kia To Launch 4 New Cars By March 2027

If launched around 2028, it would become the most premium Hyundai ICE SUV in the country. Globally, the Palisade Hybrid combines a turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor inside a full-size seven seat package. In the near future, we do expect Hyundai to introduce more SUVs with hybrid tech in the budget end of the spectrum.

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Mahindra To Bring In Several New ICE & e-SUVs Across Different Segments

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Mahindra is planning to introduce a host of new SUVs across different categories and price points over the next five years

Four concepts shown in August 2025 form the base for Mahindra’s next major SUV launch proposition. Vision S, Vision X, Vision T and Vision SXT were not design exercises alone as their road going versions will begin dripping into the portfolio across different segments and price points with the Vision S based compact SUV arriving first.

The NU_IQ platform sits at the centre of this plan. It has been engineered to accept both combustion and electric powertrains allowing Mahindra to create different body styles and drivetrain combinations. Its flexibility becomes important because the company is now preparing a much larger product plan than the one it had outlined earlier.

Nine new ICE nameplates are part of the upcoming pipeline. These will not be simple facelifts or badge extensions. Mahindra is preparing new products across multiple price ranges with the Vision S based sub-four-metre SUV expected to next year. It will be positioned above the XUV 3XO and could compete against the forthcoming Renault Bridger and Kia Syros.

Also Read: Mahindra Vision S-Based Compact SUV To Likely Be Priced Competitively

The Vision T appears to preview a Thar-influenced electric direction while Vision X and Vision SXT could help Mahindra cover more mainstream SUV slots later in the decade. Production derivatives from these concepts are expected to carry different identities under existing sub brands. Only two ICE updates in the roadmap are linked to existing models.

The three-door Thar facelift is expected as part of the plan while the Scorpio N mid-cycle update has already been spotted testing. The latter could receive a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and cabin revisions with no major engine change expected. The expanded roadmap now includes 16 launches by 2031 and of which ten will use internal combustion engines and six will be electric SUVs.

Also Read: 15+ Upcoming Mahindra SUVs You Should Know About – ICE & EVs

It is a revision over the older plan that had listed nine ICE models and seven EVs by 2030.
Mahindra had already completed a large part of that earlier target between FY2025 and FY2026. The BE.07 is the nearest electric arrival from this next batch. It has already entered road testing and will sit above the BE 6 when launched in 2027.

It will use the INGLO architecture while later EVs will be spread across INGLO and NU_IQ depending on size, positioning and drivetrain needs. Mahindra is therefore not treating ICE and EV development as separate battles. The company is building two connected SUV pipelines with familiar name families, new platforms and multiple powertrain choices running side by side until 2031.

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50% Petrol Vehicles Sold Before 2023 Confirm Drop In Mileage With E20 Fuel

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Besides significant losses in real-world mileage due to E20 fuel, several vehicles reported unusual levels of wear and tear, stated the LocalCircles survey

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in collaboration with The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, officially mandated the use of E20 fuel from April 1, 2026 in the country. Though it was sold at several petrol pumps from as early as 2025. Now, according to a report by LocalCircles, around half of the petrol models purchased in 2022 or before have experienced a drop in mileage after using the E20 fuel, which has 20 percent ethanol content. The report further confirmed that one in two petrol vehicle owners stated that the fuel efficiency of their vehicle, which was purchased in 2022 or prior, has significantly reduced in the last few months.

In fact, nearly 29 percent of petrol vehicle owners came on record to state that the usage of E20 fuel has caused unusual levels of wear and tear with respect to the engine, fuel line, tank and carburettor among many other components. All these people had a vehicle purchased in 2022 or before. LocalCircles survey covered 50,000 respondents with ownership of a petrol vehicle purchased in 2022 or before across 301 districts of India.

In Aug 2025, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had issued a detailed response to such concerns raised on the impact of 20 percent Ethanol Blended Petrol (E-20) on mileage and vehicle life. It had said that apart from reducing pollution, the ethanol-blended fuel offers better acceleration and ride quality while most importantly, lowered carbon emissions by approximately 30 percent as compared to E10 fuel.

Also Read: 5 New Maruti Suzuki Cars Launching Soon In India; 2 SUVs, 2 Hatch & 1 MPV

The Ministry outrightly dismisses the claims of lower mileage and higher wear and tear by stating that “Vehicle mileage is influenced by a variety of factors beyond just fuel type. These include driving habits, maintenance practices such as oil changes and air filter cleanliness, tyre pressure and alignment, and even air conditioning load.”

The Ministry further added that, “In most parameters including drivability, startability, metal compatibility, plastic compatibility, there are no issues. Only in case of certain older vehicles, some rubber parts and gaskets may require replacement earlier than in case non blended fuel was used.” In fact, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari went on to claim that, “You show me one vehicle anywhere in the world which had problems because of E20 petrol!”

Also Read: Honda To Introduce New SUVs, Hybrids & Electric Cars Soon In India

However, on the other hand, the LocalCircles survey tells a different story altogether as several vehicle owners claim that real-world mileage losses are much higher in vehicles purchased in 2022 or before as compared to official estimates of fuel efficiency drop of 1-6 percent. The 45 percent of people participating in the survey belonged to tier 1 cities while 29 percent were from tier 2, followed by the remaining 26 percent who were from tier 3, 4 & 5 regions.

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5 New Maruti Suzuki Cars Launching Soon In India – 2 SUVs, 2 Hatch & 1 MPV

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Here we have explained the 5 new Maruti Suzuki cars that are set to launch within the next 12 months in India

Maruti Suzuki has five products in various stages of development and all of which have been caught testing on Indian roads in recent months. The launches are expected to be spread across the remainder of 2026 and into 2027 covering a compact SUV facelift, an all-new electric MPV and updates to three of the brand’s popular nameplates.

The flex fuel version of the WagonR is expected to go on sale early next month in India. The Fronx is due for a cosmetic update after a strong run since launch. Test mules point to revised exterior elements and cabin improvements with the turbo petrol and naturally aspirated petrol powertrains carrying over unchanged. Flex fuel technology and ADAS could be introduced as part of the update – two additions that would give the Fronx an edge over rivals.

The Baleno has been largely unchanged since the second generation arrived in 2022. Camouflaged test vehicles confirm a refresh is underway with exterior styling updates and interior feature additions as the primary focus. The 1.2-litre petrol engine carries over and the update will look to keep the premium hatchback competitive against a set of rivals that have received more recent updates to their feature and technology packages.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Set To Launch New Flex Fuel Vehicle On June 5, Likely Wagon R E100

A boxy camouflaged prototype spotted on Indian roads is widely believed to be the YMC – Maruti’s upcoming seven seat electric MPV. At 4.5 metres in length, it shares significant hardware with the e Vitara including platform and powertrain elements. Two battery pack options are expected. Pricing will set it below the Kia Carens Clavis EV, positioning it as a more accessible family electric MPV in the three row space.

A launch by the end of 2026 or in early 2027 is expected with production likely taking place at the Gujarat plant. The most extensively tested of the four, the Brezza facelift has been spotted across multiple locations with heavy camouflage wrap on prototypes that appear to be in final validation stages. The exterior revisions are restrained – revised alloy wheels, tweaked body cladding and updated lighting elements.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Kharkhoda 2nd Plant Begins Production, Multiple New Launches Planned

Image Source: CarIndiaNews

However, the cabin receives the more substantive changes. A 10.1-inch touchscreen replaces the current 9-inch unit and improved connected features are expected throughout. The CNG variant gets an underbody tank relocation that frees up boot space following the approach taken on the Victoris. A six-speed manual gearbox is also expected to replace the existing five-speed unit.

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Toyota Land Cruiser FJ For India (Mini Fortuner) – What We Know So Far

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Toyota Land Cruiser FJ is expected to amongst the new SUV launches planned by the brand over the next few years in India

Toyota’s most affordable off-roader could be coming to India within the next two years and it draws inspiration from one of the iconic nameplates in four wheel drive history. The Land Cruiser FJ, which broke cover at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 carries boxy proportions and circular lighting elements that reference the legendary FJ40 from decades past.

At an estimated 4.5 metres in length with a 2,580 mm wheelbase, the FJ is considerably more compact than the Fortuner it will sit below in the Toyota lineup. The shorter footprint makes it more manageable in urban environments while also giving it a tighter turning radius on narrow trails – a practical advantage for a vehicle positioned as a genuine off-road capable machine.

The IMV ladder-frame chassis underpins the FJ – the same platform used by the Fortuner and Hilux globally. Ladder-frame construction brings the inherent strength and durability associated with body-on-frame SUVs keeping the FJ true to the Land Cruiser character despite the more accessible positioning. A part-time 4WD system is expected as standard.

Also Read: All-New Toyota Compact Land Cruiser SUV To Likely Debut In 2028

Powering the Land Cruiser FJ will likely be a 2.7L naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 163 PS and 246 Nm and is linked with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Additional powertrain options including a diesel unit could be offered depending on market requirements – for India specifically, a diesel option would be important given how central oil burners are to the off-road buyer profile here.

The exterior design boasts upright surfaces, prominent wheel arch cladding, modular exterior components and a purposeful stance that communicates the off-road brief without resorting to aggressive styling. The cabin prioritises durability and everyday usability though a 12.5-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, climate control and ADAS are expected to be available on higher-spec variants.

Also Read: Next Gen Toyota Fortuner World Debut Likely Later This FY

No official confirmation for India has come from Toyota yet. The brand’s growing focus on adventure oriented products – evident through the Fortuner, Hilux and the Land Cruiser family – makes an India introduction plausible. Pricing will likely place it below the Fortuner.

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