India’s electric car exports race to $369 million as Europe drives overseas demand

MUMBAI: India’s electric cars are finding a fast lane overseas. Europe emerged as the biggest destination for Indian electric motor car exports in the first quarter of FY2026-27, with Spain leading the charge and the United Kingdom rapidly moving up the ranks, according to commerce ministry data.

India’s electric car exports surged during the quarter, with export earnings rising to $369 million from $22.2 million a year earlier. Shipments also jumped more than eightfold to 10,802 vehicles from 1,309 units, pointing to growing international demand for vehicles made in India.

Spain was the largest market, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of India’s total electric car export value. Shipments to the country were worth $146.4 million, with 4,007 electric vehicles exported during the quarter.

The United Kingdom followed, importing Indian electric cars worth $78.7 million. Shipments to Britain had been negligible in the year-ago period but rose to 2,646 vehicles in the latest quarter.

The surge in exports to Europe highlights India’s expanding role in global electric mobility and supply chains, as manufacturers increasingly gain access to markets with established EV ecosystems and stringent quality standards.

The export growth extended beyond Spain and Britain. Germany imported Indian electric cars worth $25.1 million, while Norway and Denmark recorded imports of $21.1 million and $21 million, respectively.

Exports to Belgium stood at $12.9 million, followed by the Netherlands at $12 million. Greece imported $3.8 million, while Italy, Sweden and Poland recorded $2.7 million, $2.1 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

The widening European footprint marks a shift in India’s EV export profile. Indian manufacturers are moving beyond neighbouring markets and establishing a presence in developed economies where safety, quality and environmental standards are particularly demanding.

India’s electric car exports also gained ground across Asia-Pacific.

Japan imported electric cars worth $13.4 million, making it one of India’s biggest markets outside Europe. Shipments were also recorded to Israel at $2.8 million, Australia at $2.7 million, Singapore at $1.7 million and Taiwan at $1.3 million. South Korea also featured among the destinations.

The growing presence in technologically advanced markets provides another indication of the improving competitiveness of India’s EV manufacturing base.

Neighbouring markets continue to contribute to export demand. Nepal imported electric cars worth $8.1 million during the quarter, retaining its position as an important destination for Indian vehicles.

Indian electric vehicle manufacturers are also beginning to build a presence in Latin America.

Exports during the quarter reached $2.4 million in Brazil, $1 million in Colombia, $0.5 million in Costa Rica and $0.4 million in Chile.

While these markets remain relatively small compared with Europe, their emergence points to further opportunities for Indian EV manufacturers seeking to diversify their international footprint.

The sharp rise in shipments and the growing list of destinations suggest India’s electric car export story is moving beyond a few neighbouring markets. Europe is now firmly in the driver’s seat, while rising demand across Asia-Pacific and Latin America could provide Indian manufacturers with more roads to global growth.