India’s electric vehicle industry is rapidly emerging as a significant force in the global automotive market, with electric car exports reportedly reaching approximately $369 million in Q1 2026. This development signals a new phase for India’s EV sector, positioning domestic manufacturing increasingly for international markets.
Sharing his optimism regarding the e-mobility segment in India, Dr. Rajeev Mishra, President, IFEVA (International Federation of Electric Vehicle Association), said, “Make in India is now evolving into Made in India, made for the World.” He highlighted the growing potential of India as a global electric mobility manufacturing and export hub.
India as a Global EV Powerhouse
Dr. Mishra emphasised that India’s EV ambition should go far beyond increasing domestic EV sales. “India must transition from being an EV-consuming market to becoming a Global EV Manufacturing, Technology, Innovation and Export Hub. Our objective should be to build Indian EVs not only for India, but for the world.”
India’s next phase of growth, according to him, must focus on EV manufacturing, batteries, power electronics, components, charging infrastructure, testing and certification, R&D, software, skill development and global supply-chain integration. He further stressed the importance of collaboration between government, industry, MSMEs, startups, academia, research institutions, investors and international technology partners to build a globally competitive EV ecosystem.
“$1 billion quarterly EV exports should be the next milestone,” Dr. Mishra averred, calling for a clear national ambition of taking India’s quarterly electric vehicle exports towards $1 billion. He said achieving this target would require stronger localisation, world-class quality standards, technology innovation, competitive financing, robust testing infrastructure, global certifications and strategic international partnerships.
Europe Emerging as a Key Opportunity
Europe is becoming an important destination for Indian electric vehicles, driven by stringent emission regulations, the transition towards clean mobility and increasing demand for cost-effective and technologically capable EVs. India’s expanding manufacturing ecosystem, competitive production capabilities and growing localisation of EV components are strengthening its position in the international market.
Three Forces Driving India’s EV Export Momentum
- Government Manufacturing Support: Policy initiatives and manufacturing incentives are helping strengthen India’s EV and advanced battery ecosystem while encouraging investment and localisation.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Expanding domestic manufacturing and supply chains creates a stronger foundation for Indian and global automotive companies to manufacture in India and serve international markets.
- Global EV Transition: As countries accelerate the shift towards electric mobility and diversify global supply chains, India has an opportunity to emerge as a major “China+1” manufacturing destination.
EVs Can Become a New Engine of India’s Growth
The growth of electric mobility can generate opportunities across manufacturing, engineering, electronics, batteries, software, charging infrastructure, logistics and associated services, while strengthening India’s foreign-exchange earnings and global industrial footprint. Dr. Mishra said the EV revolution can become an important pillar of India’s broader journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, strengthening both economic and energy security.
Dr. Mishra reiterated IFEVA’s commitment to creating stronger platforms for industry collaboration, policy dialogue, technology exchange, skill development, investment facilitation and global partnerships in electric mobility. “The opportunity before India is not merely to manufacture more electric vehicles. The real opportunity is to make India one of the world’s most trusted destinations for electric mobility innovation, manufacturing and exports.”
