A new study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has found that Tata Motors and Mahindra rank as the two most energy-efficient electric vehicle manufacturers in the world, underscoring India's growing technological capability in the EV sector.
According to the ICCT's Global Automaker Rating 2025, Tata Motors ranked first globally with an adjusted energy consumption of 106 Wh/km, while Mahindra placed second at 113 Wh/km, putting both Indian automakers ahead of several established global manufacturers in this category.
The annual report evaluates 22 of the world's largest automakers across 10 metrics, categorising them as "Leaders," "Transitioners," or "Laggards" based on their progress toward zero-emission vehicles. Mahindra was included in the rating for the first time this year, reflecting the growing representation of India's passenger vehicle market, while Tata Motors retained its "Transitioner" status.
The report noted that India's efficient EV technology could support broader energy security goals. The country has set a target of 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030, though EVs currently make up only around 4 per cent of new passenger vehicle sales. Achieving this target, the report said, will require market incentives, industrial policy support, and stronger fuel-efficiency regulations such as CAFE III norms.
Amit Bhatt, India Managing Director at ICCT, said it was encouraging that India's EV transition was being led by domestic manufacturers, and that progressive CAFE standards could help accelerate the country's path toward its 2030 EV target.
Dale Hall, ICCT's global program lead, said the findings reflect a broader global shift, noting that EVs accounted for 25 per cent of new light-duty vehicle sales worldwide in 2025, with most major automakers increasing their EV sales share during the year.
The report's authors said the focus for automakers is now shifting from whether to sell EVs to how quickly they can offer competitive electric models across different markets and vehicle segments.