India cleaner-fuel vehicle sales surpass petrol for first time

In India, cleaner-fuel vehicles, including electric (EV), hybrid, and compressed natural gas (CNG) models, surpassed petrol sales for the first time in August, accounting for 42% of passenger vehicle sales compared to petrol's 41%. CNG sales reached a record 25%, while EV sales grew 52% year-on-year to 30,700 units.

Hyundai Motor India is positioning itself to capture this shifting market, projecting that EVs will represent 7% to 8% of its total sales by next year. The company plans to expand its lineup with dedicated small electric SUVs and a multi-power strategy. Hyundai aims for EVs, hybrids, and CNG vehicles to each account for approximately one-third of its total sales by 2030.

Market competition remains intense. Tata Motors saw its EV market share recover to approximately 43%, supported by its diverse portfolio, while JSW MG Motor's share declined to around 15%.