India is set to overtake China as the world’s largest two-wheeler market, with electric models making up over 25% of sales this year.
According to Counterpoint Research, the electric two-wheeler (E2W) segment is poised for substantial growth, with battery-powered 2Ws expected to comprise over 25% of sales this year.
The global two-wheeler (2W) market is predominantly concentrated in Asian countries, including China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Notably, India is projected to surpass China this year to become the world’s largest 2W market.
This shift is driven by India’s robust economic growth, a high consumer preference for 2Ws for short-distance commutes, and increasing demand for 2Ws in the shared mobility space.
Despite a less than 1% year-on-year increase in 2W sales in 2023, the market is approaching maturity, with electrification expected to rise significantly, especially after 2025.
Senior analyst Soumen Mandal forecasts that Southeast Asian countries and India will see faster mainstream adoption of E2Ws.
India’s growing influence in the E2W sector is reflected by its presence among the top 10 E2W brands, including Ola Electric, TVS Motor, and Ather Energy.
Ola and Ather, as EV-first companies, are challenging established players like TVS, Hero, and Bajaj.
The premium 2W segment is also experiencing new entrants such as Ultraviolet, Revolt Motors, Energica Motor, Damon, and ARC Vehicle, competing with established brands like Harley Davidson and Yamaha.
Looking ahead, the electric E2W share of global 2W sales is expected to reach 44% by 2030, with cumulative E2W sales surpassing 150 million units between 2024 and 2030.
Research Vice President Neil Shah highlights that similar to the four-wheeler market, the 2W sector is increasingly embracing connectivity.
This transformation involves widespread network connectivity, such as 4G now and future 5G RedCap, along with related software and services.
By 2030, semiconductor consumption in 2Ws is anticipated to increase to 15%, reflecting the broader shift towards technologically advanced and connected vehicles.
