India’s Electric Scooter Sales Surge 30% in May!
TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto, and Ather Energy see surging sales as India’s EV market grows by a third in May, even as Ola Electric loses momentum and Chinese imports loom large on the horizon.
Summary:
India’s electric two-wheeler (E2W) sales increased significantly by 30% year over year in May 2025, reaching 1,00,266 units. Well-established companies such as TVS Motor, Bajaj Auto, and Ather Energy reported considerable increases in sales volume, whereas Ola Electric, the leading player in the sector, experienced a 50% drop in its monthly sales. The strong growth comes amid an evolving market landscape, with rising Chinese imports posing fresh challenges to Indian OEMs.
India’s E2W Market Charges Ahead: May Sales Hit 1 Lakh Units
India is increasingly moving towards the adoption of electric mobility. In May 2025, electric two-wheeler (E2W) sales surged by 30% year-on-year, reaching 1,00,266 units. This marks a significant psychological and economic milestone, signalling sustained consumer interest, improving infrastructure, and increasing product diversity in the electric mobility space.
While the headline numbers show promising growth, the market’s underlying dynamics are shifting rapidly. Traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) giants like TVS Motor and Bajaj Auto and newer players like Ather Energy have emerged as key beneficiaries of the latest surge. In contrast, Ola Electric, which once led the segment, reported a sharp decline in monthly volumes.
Market Share Shake-Up: TVS and Bajaj Double Down, Ola Declines
TVS Motor Company showed impressive results in May, with its electric two-wheeler sales reportedly more than doubling compared to the same month last year. This was due to its iQube series’ wide acceptability and improved supply chain efficiency. The company has steadily expanded its charging network and upgraded its product features, which has helped it strengthen its market share.
Bajaj Auto, leveraging its trusted Chetak EV, also saw a significant upswing, with sales more than doubling compared to May 2024. Bajaj’s strategy of leveraging its ICE dealer network and offering a premium, low-maintenance EV alternative has started to bear fruit.
Ather Energy, known for its tech-savvy offerings and consistent branding, recorded an impressive rise in monthly volumes. With its expanded production capacity, wider retail reach, and battery subscription options, Ather is increasingly viewed as a reliable long-term player.
In contrast, Ola Electric’s sales halved in May, signalling either a strategic pullback or challenges in product delivery, customer service, or market saturation in early-adopter zones. While Ola remains a major player, the sharp decline has sparked speculation about its ability to sustain leadership amid growing competition and evolving consumer expectations.
Rising Chinese Threat: Low-Cost Imports Stir Concerns
Beyond domestic competition, Chinese electric two-wheelers and components are beginning to make their presence felt in the Indian market. Several low-cost Chinese brands have entered via import channels or local assembly partnerships, offering aggressively priced models with attractive features.
Indian manufacturers fear that the influx of unregulated or lightly monitored Chinese EVs could threaten pricing stability and quality standards. These imports, often not subject to the same quality certifications or safety benchmarks, can undercut prices while raising concerns about battery reliability and after-sales service.
Industry groups and local manufacturers are advocating for the government to tighten import regulations and boost local value addition by introducing more stringent requirements for the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) subsidy.
Policy Push and Consumer Tailwinds
The growth in May sales comes on the back of continued policy support from the central and state governments, such as:
FAME II subsidies extended till 2027
State-specific incentives like road tax exemption, registration fee waivers, and capital support
GST at 5% on EVs compared to 28% on ICE vehicles
PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme support for advanced battery manufacturing
Moreover, consumer awareness around fuel savings, environmental consciousness, and improved financing options have made electric scooters a practical urban mobility choice.
Supply Chain and Infrastructure Gains
One of the major factors supporting E2W growth is the maturing supply chain ecosystem, especially for battery packs, power electronics, and motor controllers. Local sourcing has increased significantly over the past 12 months, reducing import dependence.
Charging infrastructure, though still developing, has seen notable progress with the rise of home charging units, battery-swapping stations, and fast-charging corridors in Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities. Companies like Bounce, Sun Mobility, and Jio-bp are investing heavily in last-mile EV energy solutions.
Outlook: Can India’s EV Ecosystem Sustain the Growth?
Looking ahead, the Indian E2W market appears poised for sustained expansion. However, moving ahead brings its own challenges. Important factors to monitor include:
– Clear policies regarding FAME III and long-term subsidy strategies
– Competition from imports from China and related regulatory measures
– Concerns about battery fires and safety during peak summer temperatures
– Access to financing for buyers in rural and semi-urban areas
– After-sales support networks and guarantees on residual value
The coming quarters will be crucial in determining whether the growth in May is an inflection point or a short-term spurt.
Conclusion
In May 2025, India’s electric two-wheeler sector reached a significant milestone by surpassing 100,000 monthly sales, reflecting a 30% year-on-year growth. With homegrown giants like TVS and Bajaj aggressively capturing market share and the likes of Ather innovating rapidly, the competitive landscape is evolving fast. Ola Electric’s sharp decline adds a twist to the story, while the entry of low-cost Chinese imports stirs the pot further.
As the electric mobility race intensifies, India’s E2W sector is no longer just about transportation—it’s about strategic autonomy, economic opportunity, and environmental resilience.
The image added is for representation purposes only
