
Why Luxury EVs Are Booming in India Now
Not long ago, spotting a high-end electric car on Indian roads was a rare treat—an oddity in a market still defined by fuel and horsepower. Step into any luxury showroom today, and the landscape has shifted. From Mumbai to Bengaluru, sleek EVs from global brands are now front and centre, no longer sidelined by their petrol-powered peers.
Data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations shows that India's luxury EV sales climbed 6.7% in 2024, with top marques moving 2,809 vehicles compared to 2,633 the year before. It represents a shift in how we think about performance, design, and the future of mobility. It's about image, innovation, and ease. A growing number of buyers now see these vehicles as a reflection of modern values: clean design, advanced technology, and a quieter, more responsible form of mobility.
Interestingly, many of these buyers are younger than you might expect. Data shows that a significant share of luxury EV owners in 2024 were under the age of 40. These are digital-first professionals—entrepreneurs, CXOs, and design-led thinkers—who value thoughtful engineering just as much as brand prestige. For them, going electric isn't a compromise; it's a step forward.
advetisement
'MG SELECT, the luxury brand channel of JSW MG Motor India, aims to bridge the gap between mainstream and traditional luxury. We are tech-forward and envision curating a meaningful ownership experience for our clientele. With a core focus on New Energy Vehicles, MG SELECT is for the generation of buyers who are drawn to experiences that go beyond the drive," says Milind Shah, Interim Head, MG SELECT.
Of course, this momentum isn't just about the cars themselves. The infrastructure that supports them is expanding rapidly. According to figures from the Ministry of Power, fast-charging stations in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru increased by 119% in the past year. From hotels and gated communities to business parks and shopping hubs, charging points are showing up where buyers already spend time.
Luxury brands have also adapted quickly. Most now offer at-home charger installation, support apps for real-time charge monitoring, and concierge services that take the hassle out of maintenance. For many owners, it's a smoother experience than owning a conventional fuel vehicle.
But design and experience matter just as much. From minimalist cabins lined with vegan materials to gesture-based controls and connected dashboards, today's premium EVs offer something distinct. They aren't just electric—they're built around a new idea of what a car can be.
'India's EV ecosystem is growing at an impressive rate—we witnessed more than 150% growth in electric car sales last year alone. This is clear proof that the Indian consumer is primed for change, as long as brands deliver on expectations that go beyond the vehicle. That's where MG SELECT comes in. It's not just about offering an electric car—it's about giving you a complete ownership experience that makes using an EV simple and stress-free. With easy access to charging, helpful concierge support, and personalised assistance, MG SELECT is made for today's urban driver who values convenience, style, and smart technology.
As someone who has followed the development of luxury mobility in India, I believe that MG SELECT is a shrewd, forward-looking step. It takes some of the biggest concerns people have with EVs—range anxiety and limited infrastructure—and flips them on their head to create opportunities that enrich the overall user experience."
Advertisement
— Riaan George, Luxury & Auto Content Creator
top videos
View All
Many luxury brands now offer tailored lease plans, EV-specific financing, and partnerships with banks offering preferential 'green' loan rates. And with lower maintenance and running costs over time, these vehicles make more financial sense than they once did.
By the end of 2025, over 15 new premium electric models are expected to enter the Indian market—from brands including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. For buyers looking for something that feels progressive but still premium, the options are expanding fast.
Watch CNN-News18 here. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
tags :
cnn-news18 latest news lifestyle news18
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
May 28, 2025, 12:00 IST
News lifestyle Why Luxury EVs Are Booming in India Now
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Mint
25 minutes ago
- Mint
Trump hints at 20–25% tariffs on Indian imports, says final decision still pending
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (July 29) that India could face tariff rates as high as 25% on its exports to the United States, but emphasised that a final decision had not yet been made. The remarks come as the two countries work toward resolving longstanding trade disagreements. 'I think so,' Trump responded when asked by reporters aboard Air Force One if the US would impose a 20–25% tariff rate on Indian goods. 'India has been a good friend, but India has charged basically more tariffs than almost any other country. You just can't do that.' Trump added. The US President made the comments while returning from a five-day trip to Scotland, reiterating his stance that the US must be treated fairly in global trade relationships. The reciprocal tariffs were imposed on April 2, 2025 and were supposed to take effect from July 9, 2025. However, the deadline for the imposition of the import duties was later extended to August 1, 2025. The US has so far reached agreements with the UK, Indonesia, Philippines, European Union and Japan. Citing two Indian government sources, Reuters reported that New Delhi is preparing for the possibility of higher tariffs—likely between 20% and 25%—on select exports as a temporary measure. Instead of offering fresh concessions, India plans to resume comprehensive trade talks in mid-August during the visit of a US delegation. 'Talks are progressing well, and a delegation is expected in Delhi by mid-August,' Reuters quoted one India official as saying, with the news report adding that the US may still issue a tariff letter in a 'worst-case scenario.' US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer echoed the need for further talks during an interview with CNBC, saying, 'We continue to speak with our Indian counterparts, we've always had very constructive discussions with them.' However, he admitted more work is needed: 'We need some more negotiations on that with our Indian friends to see how ambitious they want to be.' 'The thing to understand with India is their trade policy for a very long time has been premised on strongly protecting their domestic market. That's just how they do business,' he noted. 'The president is in a mode of wanting deals that substantially open other markets,' Greer added. 'That they open everything or near everything.'


Deccan Herald
an hour ago
- Deccan Herald
Renowned economist, House of Lords peer Meghnad Desai dies at 85
Anguished by the passing away of Shri Meghnad Desai Ji, a distinguished thinker, writer and economist. He always remained connected to India and Indian culture. He also played a role in deepening India-UK ties. Will fondly recall our discussions, where he shared his valuable…


India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Microsoft Ditches Russia-Linked Nayara: EU Sanctions Slam Indian Oil Giant Into Crisis, Rediff Rushed In
New Delhi: A storm is brewing in India's oil sector. The trigger? A fresh wave of European Union (E.U.) sanctions aimed at isolating Russia's oil economy. But this time, the fallout is not in Moscow; it is at a high-capacity refinery in Gujarat, where Nayara Energy, backed by Russian oil giant Rosneft, is suddenly cut off from its digital backbone. Microsoft has abruptly suspended its services to Nayara, leaving thousands of employees locked out of their familiar digital workspace. No Outlook. No Teams. No warning. By Tuesday last week, the shutdown was complete, according to sources quoted by Reuters. The sanctions had found their latest and most unexpected target. To keep communication going, Nayara scrambled for a backup. The company turned to an old Indian internet brand now offering enterprise email services. Based in Mumbai, Rediff has stepped in to provide an internal messaging system. But there is a catch. It cannot touch any of the data previously stored on Microsoft's cloud. As a result, years of archives gone dark for now. Caught off guard, Nayara on Monday dragged Microsoft to the Delhi High Court, challenging what it calls a 'unilateral' and 'legally unjustified' decision. The refinery is pushing back, not only in court, but in public. 'This action has been taken unilaterally, without prior notice, consultation or recourse and under the guise of compliance. Such moves signal a worrying trend of global corporations extending foreign legal frameworks into jurisdictions where they have no applicability,' Nayara said in a statement. Microsoft is headquartered in the United States. The E.U. sanctions, Nayara pointed out, apply only in Europe, not in America or India. Still, the tech giant chose to pull out. And this is where things get messier. Capable of processing 20 million tonnes a year, Nayara's Vadinar refinery is one of India's top importers of Russian crude. It handles about 8% of India's refining output and fuels nearly 7% of the national retail network with over 6,750 filling stations. The company is also expanding into petrochemicals, aiming for 8% of India's polypropylene capacity. Until now, Nayara had been seen as a key player helping India balance its energy needs with discounted Russian oil, especially after the war in Ukraine began. But things are shifting. Bloomberg reports say oil firms and shippers are beginning to keep their distance. Exporting refined products or importing crude has started becoming more complicated. Nayara has become the first Indian oil company directly impacted by the EU's newest sanctions. The refinery insists it follows Indian law to the letter. 'We remain in continuous dialogue with Indian authorities to ensure complete transparency and accountability,' the company stated. New Delhi is not happy either. India has pushed back against what it calls unilateral restrictions. Responding to the latest sanctions, the Ministry of External Affairs did not mince words. 'India does not subscribe to any unilateral sanction measures. The Government of India considers the provision of energy security a paramount importance to meet the basic needs of its citizens. We would stress that there should be no double standards, especially when it comes to energy trade,' said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. On July 19, the E.U. tightened the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $46.7 per barrel, squeezing already thin margins. The ripple effects are now being felt in Indian boardrooms and courtrooms alike. What happens next could redefine how India's energy partnerships evolve and how far corporate compliance with foreign sanctions can go, even within sovereign borders.