Electric vehicle (EV) adoption gathered pace in Gujarat during the first half of 2026, with registrations nearly doubling from a year earlier as consumers increasingly opted for cleaner modes of transport.
According to data from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, EV registrations in the state rose 97% to 55,344 units during January-June 2026, compared with 28,148 units in the corresponding period last year, The Economic Times reported.
The momentum continued in June, when EV registrations increased 88% year-on-year to 11,786 units, up from 6,276 units in June 2025.
Industry experts attributed the strong growth to rising consumer preference for alternative-fuel vehicles, supported by improvements in battery technology, a wider range of models and competitive pricing.
Pranav Shah, chairman of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), Gujarat, said growing awareness about reducing dependence on imported petrol and diesel, better vehicle quality, longer battery warranties and government incentives have encouraged more buyers to choose electric vehicles.
He said manufacturers now offer a wider selection of EV models across different price segments, while battery warranties of up to seven years have helped improve consumer confidence. Subsidies for electric two-wheelers and passenger vehicles have also supported demand.
FADA data showed that alternative-fuel passenger vehicles crossed a key milestone in June, accounting for more than 40% of total passenger vehicle retail sales in India for the first time.
According to the industry body, CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles together accounted for 40.35% of passenger vehicle sales during the month. CNG vehicles held the largest share at 24.33%, followed by hybrids at 8.27% and electric vehicles at 7.75%.
A senior Regional Transport Office (RTO) official in Gandhinagar said demand has grown for both electric and hybrid vehicles in Gujarat. The official added that expanding fast-charging infrastructure, particularly along highways, would further encourage EV adoption.
The official also said higher fuel prices have made electric vehicles more attractive. While CNG and hybrid vehicles continue to record healthy demand, rising CNG prices have prompted many urban commuters to switch to EVs.
Across India, passenger EV retail sales reached a record 31,823 units in June, reflecting increasing acceptance of battery-powered vehicles.
Industry observers expect demand to remain strong in the coming months, supported by new vehicle launches, expanding charging infrastructure, lower operating costs and improved financing options, although overall growth will also depend on consumer sentiment and broader automobile market conditions.
