India Electric 4-Wheeler Sales January 2026: Tata Leads, VinFast Outpaces BMW in Early Surge

The Indian electric vehicle (EV) market kicked off 2026 with a high-voltage performance, as January retail data reveals a sharpening battle between established domestic giants and aggressive new global entrants. While Tata Motors continues to hold its throne, the spotlight has shifted to VinFast, which has successfully managed to outsell luxury mainstays like BMW in just its first full year of operations.

January 2026 Sales Leaderboard

Quick Highlights: January 2026 EV Retail

• Total Market Leader : Tata Motors remains #1 with 7,824 units.

• The Challenger : MG Motor secures #2, driven by the Windsor EV's popularity.

• The Surprise : VinFast (431 units) overtakes BMW (299 units) in the premium-plus segment.

• Domestic Growth : Mahindra sees strong traction with its 'Born Electric' (BE) range.

1. Tata Motors Maintains the Lead Amid Rising Rivalry

Tata Motors retailed 7,824 units in January 2026. Despite a slight dip in market share compared to previous years—owing to a flood of new competitors—the company’s diverse portfolio (Tiago.ev, Punch.ev, and the recently updated Harrier EV) keeps it firmly at the top. The "first-mover advantage" continues to pay dividends as Tata expands its dedicated EV-only "T-Point" showrooms across Tier-2 cities.

2. MG and Mahindra: The Battle for the Silver Medal

The gap between the second and third spots is narrowing :

• MG Motor (4,591 units) : Riding high on its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, MG has locked in the second position. The Windsor EV remains their primary volume driver.

• Mahindra (3,311 units) : Mahindra is witnessing a massive surge. With the XEV 9e and BE 6 models now in full production, the homegrown SUV specialist is successfully converting its "ICE" (Internal Combustion Engine) loyalists to electric.

3. The VinFast Factor: A New Premium Powerhouse?

The most significant story of January 2026 is VinFast Auto India. Selling 431 units, the Vietnamese manufacturer has officially bypassed Hyundai (326 units) in the EV charts.

By leveraging its localized assembly at the Thoothukudi plant and an aggressive 75-showroom expansion plan, VinFast is capturing buyers who want "luxury tech" at a non-luxury price point. Its VF 6 and VF 7 SUVs are proving to be serious disruptors for the ₹25–40 lakh segment.

The Road Ahead: What to Expect in Q1 2026

As we move into February, the industry is bracing for the launch of the VinFast Limo Green (a 7-seater MPV) and the market entry of the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara. With EV penetration now exceeding 5% of total passenger vehicle sales, 2026 is shaping up to be the year where electric moves from "niche" to "mainstream."

Expert Take

The fact that a newcomer like VinFast can outsell a legacy giant like Hyundai in the EV space shows that Indian consumers are brand-agnostic when it comes to technology and range.