Electric two-wheeler (e2W) sales in India began 2026 on a firm footing, with volumes rising 12% year-on-year (YoY) in January, signalling sustained consumer interest in electric mobility despite challenges faced by some manufacturers. Total e2W sales stood at 1,10,316 units during the month, compared with 98,427 units in January 2025, according to Vahan data.
Traditional two-wheeler makers continued to consolidate their position in the fast-growing segment, aided by wider product portfolios, competitive pricing, and expanding distribution networks.
TVS Motor emerged as the market leader in January, selling 31,731 units and commanding a 29% market share. This marked a sharp increase from its 24% share a year earlier.
Bajaj and Ather Grow
Bajaj Auto followed closely, reporting sales of 22,921 units and capturing 21% of the market. The company has benefited from the growing acceptance of its Chetak electric scooter, supported by aggressive pricing and a focus on urban and semi-urban markets.
Ather Energy retained its position among the top three players, selling 19,760 units in January. Its market share rose to 18% from 13% in the year-ago period, reflecting strong demand for its premium offerings and an expanding fast-charging network.
Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer by overall volumes, sold 11,914 electric two-wheelers during the month, accounting for a 10% market share. While its presence in the EV segment remains relatively modest compared with peers, the company has been steadily scaling up capacity and expanding its Vida electric scooter range.
The biggest shift came from Ola Electric, which had led the segment in January 2025 but sold just 6,747 units this January. Its market share plunged to 6.1% from 25% a year ago, pushing the company to fifth place.
This decline pushed Ola Electric to fifth place in the monthly rankings and marked its lowest sales performance since September 2022.
Quality Concerns Arise
The company is facing government scrutiny over sales and quality issues, compounded by recurring incidents of vehicles catching fire. Last week an Ola electric bike reportedly caught fire in Solapur, Maharashtra. Customer complaints over product and service issues have also dented the company’s reputation.
Industry analysts attribute the changing market dynamics to intensifying competition and the growing strength of established two-wheeler manufacturers.
“Legacy players such as TVS and Bajaj have leveraged their manufacturing scale, supplier relationships, and dealer networks to gain an edge,” an industry executive said, adding that aggressive pricing and frequent product updates have also played a key role.
The January sales data highlights the accelerating adoption of electric two-wheelers in India, even as the competitive landscape evolves rapidly. While overall demand continues to grow, the latest trends suggest that traditional manufacturers are tightening their grip on the segment, posing increasing challenges for pure-play electric vehicle makers.
