India's electric vehicle market is entering a phase focused on technology ownership rather than volume. Industry estimates indicate sales crossed two million units in FY25 and stakeholders say domestic capability in core systems will determine competitiveness. Piyush Verma, co-founder and chief technology officer of Naxatra Labs (Naxatra), said government schemes such as PM E-Drive, ACC PLI and Auto PLI indicate a strategic shift to indigenous innovation.

Manufacturers are building products for Indian operating conditions instead of adapting imported designs. Verma noted that an electric three-wheeler carrying heavy loads on broken roads in 45-degree heat needs different performance from vehicles designed for other cities. Naxatra develops motors and controllers in India for two-wheelers, three-wheelers and industrial applications, and OEMs are replacing imported powertrains with local alternatives.

Abiram Menon, co-founder and chief executive officer of Magron (Magron), characterised the nearly Rs 25.6 bn commitment to core EV technology as a decisive shift from incentivising adoption to owning intellectual property. He said past practice of assembling imported kits left critical technology overseas and that future mobility companies must be ecosystem-first, designing vehicles, batteries and energy management together.

Localisation remains incomplete because magnet supply chains, semiconductor-grade power electronics and precision manufacturing equipment require sustained investment. Verma urged patient capital, faster testing and certification and more willingness among vehicle manufacturers to qualify Indian suppliers. Sanyam Gandhi, whole-time director of Chartered Speed (Chartered Speed), said indigenous capability in motors, motor controllers and battery management systems would lower import dependence and improve resilience.

Stakeholders highlighted export potential and the role of public transport in scaling adoption. Verma suggested that ruggedisation and cost discipline make Indian powertrains competitive in Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America, while Naveen Gupta, founder of TrevMobility (TrevMobility), emphasised closer collaboration across the ecosystem. Government schemes such as PM e-Bus Sewa and PM E-Drive were credited with supporting electric buses, charging infrastructure and higher local value addition.