Kia overtakes Maruti Suzuki in September 2026 EV sales

The Indian electric passenger vehicle market hit a new monthly record of 35,995 units in September 2026, up 94 percent compared to the same month a year ago. It is also the fourth straight month that EV retail sales have stayed above the 30,000-unit mark, a milestone the segment had never previously managed to sustain. Kia's climb past Maruti Suzuki to grab fifth place is the headline result from what is shaping up as a breakout year for electric cars.

Tata Motors still leads by a wide margin

Tata Motors held on to the top position with 14,769 units sold in September, translating to a 41 percent share of all electric passenger vehicle retail. That means four out of every ten electric cars bought last month left a Tata showroom. No other brand comes close to that kind of dominance at this stage, and Tata's position looks secure as long as it keeps supply consistent.

Kia moves past Maruti Suzuki for fifth

The more immediately interesting shift is Kia leapfrogging Maruti Suzuki to take fifth spot in the monthly EV rankings. Maruti has been investing heavily in its electric lineup, but Kia's momentum carried it ahead this month. Neither brand is anywhere near Tata's volumes, but fifth place matters — it is the first meaningful sign that the competition for the middle of the table is tightening.

Where the EV market stands at H1 FY2027

Here is a quick snapshot of what the numbers tell us so far this financial year:

• September 2026 EV retail sales: 35,995 units, a new monthly high
• Year-on-year growth for September: 94 percent
• Tata Motors market share in September: 41 percent
• Tata Motors September units: 14,769
• Fourth consecutive month above the 30,000-unit level

H1 FY2027 cumulative EV sales figures were partially disclosed but the full six-month total has not yet been confirmed. Once those numbers are officially published they will give a clearer picture of full-year trajectory.

What this means if you are buying this month

If you are in the market for an electric car right now, September's data confirms that supply and buyer confidence are both moving in the right direction. Tata dealerships will be busy, so locking in a booking early and confirming delivery timelines in writing makes sense. For anyone considering a Kia or a Maruti Suzuki EV, the competitive ranking shift suggests both brands are actively pushing volumes, which can sometimes translate into better on-ground deals or faster delivery at the end of a strong sales month.

With EV sales nearly doubling year on year, are you planning to make your next car electric or are you still waiting for range and charging infrastructure to catch up in your city?