The Auto Expo 2025 is currently underway in the Indian capital, New Delhi, where various car companies from around the world have launched electric vehicles (EVs) as well as concept cars featuring advanced technology for an enhanced driving experience in the future.
While Indian car manufacturers Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors have launched several new cars, companies from China, South Korea, and Japan are also showcasing their models. The event is being held under the “Bharat Mobility Expo-2025.”
The Expo, which began on Friday, saw the launch of Maruti Suzuki’s electric car, the eVitara. It features dual battery packs and can travel over 500 kilometers on a single charge. According to CarDekho, it will be available in March, with a starting price of INR 1.7 million. The car includes key features such as an automatic AC, a fixed glass roof, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and an advanced driver assistance system.
Electric vehicle consultant Mohammad Hafeez mentioned that the presence of Chinese companies at this Expo is particularly significant. He also pointed out that this Expo is being held in Delhi after a long time. Around 5,000 international participants are taking part, and India’s relaxed visa regulations have encouraged the participation of Chinese company representatives.
Chinese company BYD has attracted a crowd at its pavilion, showcasing the performance-focused electric SUV, the Seal 7, which marks its debut in India. Other models, such as the Auto-3, Seal, and eMax 7, will also be available in India. According to HT Auto, these cars will be priced between INR 2.4 million and INR 5.3 million. The competition includes Hyundai’s Ioniq 5, Volvo’s XC40, Tata’s Sierra EV, and Volvo’s C40.
Bookings for the EV have started in India from January 18, with a booking fee of INR 70,000, and the company is offering a discount of INR 70,000 for the first time launch. The BYD-7 will be available from March 7 in four colors, with a range of over 480 kilometers on a single charge.
The Auto Expo is a major event for India’s $240 billion automotive industry, which contributes 7% to the country’s GDP and 14-15% to GST collections, and 7% to overall exports of commercial goods.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the opportunity to acknowledge the legacies of Osamu Suzuki, former Chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, and Ratan Tata, former Chairman of Tata. He emphasized that several factors, including India’s large population, growing middle class, infrastructure development, and “Make in India” vehicles, will drive the growth of the auto sector.
He further mentioned that the demand for vehicles is also fueled by government investments in infrastructure. Last year, the government allocated INR 11 trillion for infrastructure projects, resulting in a vast network of highways and expressways.
According to NDTV, Hyundai Motor Company and TVS Motor Company used the occasion to unveil electric three-wheelers and micro four-wheelers, while also seeking partnership opportunities in the Indian market. Toyota showcased the Urban BEV concept car, which is expected to travel 500 kilometers on a single charge and has a design and features similar to the eVitara.
Indian manufacturer Mahindra also showcased two electric vehicles, both capable of traveling over 600 kilometers on a single charge. The Mahindra XEU9-E has already started test drives, with further evaluations expected to be completed by the end of February. It is claimed that it can travel up to 656 kilometers on a single charge. The Mahindra BE-6 can cover up to 682 kilometers and is priced between INR 1.9 million and INR 2.7 million.
The Expo also features cars from luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, and Porsche. Porsche’s Taycan is priced between INR 20 million and INR 25 million and is claimed to travel 630 kilometers on a single charge. Porsche’s Macan EV, which can travel 590 kilometers on a single charge, is also being displayed.
Experts believe that while the global demand for electric vehicles may be slowing down, the issues of fuel dependency and global warming make EVs the future. This is why there is a strong focus on electric vehicles at the Auto Expo being held at Pragati Maidan in Delhi. Additionally, various types of bikes are also on display.