Europe emerges top destination for India’s electric car shipments in Q1

New Delhi: Europe emerged as the top destination for Indian electric motor car shipments in the first quarter of 2026-27, with the United Kingdom ranking as the second-largest market and recording imports worth USD 78.7 million, compared with negligible shipments in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, according to the commerce ministry data.

India’s exports of electric motor cars surged in the first quarter of 2026-27, with export earnings rising sharply to USD 369 million from USD 22.2 million a year earlier, while shipments jumped to 10,802 vehicles from 1,309 units, reflecting growing global competitiveness of India’s electric mobility industry.

The growth reflects the growing international acceptance of India-manufactured electric vehicles (EVs) and the country’s emergence as an important production hub for sustainable mobility solutions, an official said.

The export story was driven by Europe, which emerged as the principal destination for Indian electric cars.

Spain became the largest market, with exports rising to USD 146.4 million, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of India’s total exports under this category.

A total of 4,007 electric vehicles were shipped to Spain during the quarter, making it the single largest destination by both value and volume, the data showed.

It added that the UK emerged as the second-largest market, recording imports worth USD 78.7 million compared with almost negligible shipments in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

“Export volumes climbed from just one vehicle to 2,646 vehicles, indicating growing penetration of Indian-made electric cars into one of Europe’s most developed EV markets,” it said.

Several other European economies also witnessed strong growth in imports of Indian electric vehicles.

Exports to Germany reached USD 25.1 million, followed by Norway (USD 21.1 million) and Denmark (USD 21 million).

Additional demand came from Belgium (USD 12.9 million), the Netherlands (USD 12 million), Greece (USD 3.8 million), Italy (USD 2.7 million), Sweden (USD 2.1 million), and Poland (USD 1.6 million).

“The broad European footprint reflects the growing relevance of Indian manufacturers in global EV supply chains and the increasing demand for affordable electric mobility solutions,” the official said.

Beyond Europe, India also expanded exports across Asia-Pacific markets.

Japan imported USD 13.4 million worth of electric cars, while shipments were recorded to Israel (USD 2.8 million), Australia (USD 2.7 million), Singapore (USD 1.7 million), Taiwan (USD 1.3 million), and South Korea.

Exports to these technologically advanced markets underscore the improving quality, safety standards and global competitiveness of Indian electric vehicle manufacturing.

While traditional neighbouring markets such as Nepal continued to remain important destinations with imports worth USD 8.1 million, the diversification towards advanced European markets represents a notable shift in India’s EV export profile, the data showed.

New opportunities also emerged in Latin America, where exports reached Brazil (USD 2.4 million), Colombia (USD 1 million), Chile (USD 0.4 million), and Costa Rica (USD 0.5 million).