Tata Motors retained its position in the “Transitioner” category.New Delhi: Indian automakers Tata Motors and Mahindra have secured the top two positions globally for electric vehicle energy efficiency, underlining India’s growing technological capabilities in electric mobility and strengthening the case for an accelerated transition to cleaner transportation.
According to the International Council on Clean Transportation’s (ICCT) Global Automaker Rating 2025, Tata Motors ranked first globally with adjusted energy consumption of 106 Wh/km, while Mahindra followed closely in second place at 113 Wh/km.
The findings come as India pushes towards its target of achieving 30 per cent electric vehicle penetration by 2030, despite EVs currently accounting for only around 4 per cent of new passenger vehicle sales.
Indian OEMs lead on efficiency
The report highlighted that Indian manufacturers are producing some of the world’s most energy-efficient electric vehicles, outperforming several established global automakers in this category.
Mahindra was included in the Global Automaker Rating for the first time this year, providing greater representation of India’s evolving passenger vehicle market, while Tata Motors retained its position in the “Transitioner” category.
The annual study evaluates 22 of the world’s largest automakers across ten metrics that measure progress towards zero-emission mobility and manufacturing decarbonisation.
Energy security benefits beyond emissions
ICCT said India’s EV transition offers benefits that extend beyond climate goals. Increased electrification can reduce dependence on imported crude oil, strengthen energy security and support the country’s manufacturing ambitions.
The report noted that highly efficient EVs lower electricity demand per kilometre, making the transition more sustainable while helping India reduce its energy import bill.
“A successful transition to electric mobility can strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported oil, boost domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative, and position Indian automakers as global leaders in affordable electric mobility,” the report said.
CAFE III norms can accelerate adoption
The study stressed that stronger Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) III regulations could help accelerate EV adoption and better align policy with the technological capabilities already demonstrated by Indian manufacturers.
“It is encouraging to see that India’s EV transition is being led by strong home-grown manufacturers. In addition to Tata Motors, Mahindra has now joined the latest Global Automaker Rating, highlighting the growing global relevance of Indian automotive companies,” said Amit Bhatt, India Managing Director, ICCT.
The report also highlighted the rapid pace of electrification globally. Electric vehicles accounted for 25 per cent of global new light-duty vehicle sales in 2025, with most major automakers increasing their EV sales share during the year.
“This rating shows that the global auto industry’s electric transition is no longer a distant future,” said Dale Hall, Global Program Lead at ICCT.
ICCT believes India already possesses the technological foundation needed for a faster EV transition. The next challenge lies in ensuring policy ambition, market incentives and regulatory frameworks keep pace with industry capabilities.
