India’s Passenger Car Market Shifts: CNG, Hybrids, EVs Overtake Petrol in August
· Automobile · Times of India, Hindustan Times
In August 2026, alternative fuels—including CNG, hybrid, and electric vehicles—overtook petrol-powered cars for the first time in India’s passenger vehicle market, accounting for 41.9% of retail sales versus petrol’s 40.8%, per FADA data. CNG led the shift with a 25.2% share, followed by hybrids at 9% and EVs at 7.6%, driven by lower running costs and buyer preference for efficiency without charging infrastructure dependency. Maruti Suzuki dominated the CNG segment with a 71% market share, while Tata Motors led electric passenger vehicles with 43%. Diesel cars retained a 17.2% share. The trend extends beyond cars: EV penetration in two-wheelers rose to 10.7% in August, surpassing 10% in a non-festive month for the first time, and EVs accounted for 65.3% of three-wheeler sales, up from 56.6% year-over-year. Commercial vehicle EV sales more than doubled to 5.2%, indicating broader electrification beyond pilot projects.
Why it matters
Consumers and automakers face a structural shift in fuel preferences, with CNG, hybrids, and EVs becoming mainstream choices due to cost savings and efficiency gains. This accelerates India’s transition away from petrol dependency, impacting fuel prices, automotive manufacturing, and urban mobility infrastructure—particularly for commuters and fleet operators prioritising affordability and sustainability.
Read the original report — Times of India
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.