TIS 2026: EVs, Autonomous Mobility & Robotics Redefining India’s Auto Industry

The global and Indian automotive universe is standing at a consequential inflection point, where the physical and digital landscapes are converging to reshape the very idea of mobility. India, once seen as a market that adopted global trends, has now emerged as a trendsetter influencing dynamics not only through sheer volume but also through premiumization and innovation.

Three transformative themes define this shift: electric vehicles (EV) adoption, software defined vehicles and AI integration. 

India is at the forefront of EV adoption, particularly in two- and three-wheelers, with penetration accelerating across other vehicle segments. This momentum is supported by progressive government policies and rapid innovation in charging infrastructure. 

What we are witnessing today is not just development but the outcome of years of efforts in EVs. “EV adoption has reached a tipping point. This March, the numbers were overwhelming: passenger EV sales were nearly double those of ICE vehicles. No one is questioning whether EVs are the future anymore; it is happening, and it is happening now. I am pleased with this reality, the result of nearly a decade of work across the ecosystem,” said Amit Gupta, co-founder and CEO Yulu at the Entrepreneur Tech & Innovation show.

Differentiation is no longer just mechanical; it lies in the software stack. Vehicles are evolving into digital platforms, redefining user experience and competitive advantage. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded into real-world systems, making every kilometer safer and smarter through predictive, adaptive technologies. With the advent of Generative AI and large language models, vehicles can process complex data streams, enhance navigation, and improve human-machine interaction. AI also strengthens road safety by monitoring driver behavior, and reducing accident risks.

“From my perspective, whether surprising or not, what stands out is how AI has evolved. A few years ago, AI was primarily in the cloud. Today, it’s moving to the edge alongside the cloud, playing an increasingly critical role in mobility. With the rise of Gen AI and large language models, awareness has grown dramatically. The possibilities are immense, making roads safer, transportation more intelligent, and impacting not just end-user experiences but also commercial operations. We are clearly seeing strong trends of adoption driven by AI’s evolution,” said Vinay Rai of Netradyne at the summit.

What is truly surprising is the macro shift in automotive dominance, moving from the global west to the global east, with Asia leading the way in the electromobility supply chain. In India, homegrown automakers are making waves in this transition, while the component ecosystem is undergoing a remarkable transformation. “Tier-one suppliers that once focused on mechanical parts are now building local product development capabilities. This evolution signals a powerful future where India is contributing not only to its domestic market but to the global mobility landscape,” said Muralidhar MK, chief technology officer (CTO), SUN Mobility.

NITI Aayog’s 2025 report emphasizes that India’s EV transition must be paired with digital architectures and AI-driven intelligence to unlock a $200 billion opportunity in mobility. Together, electrification and software‑defined vehicles are not only transforming India’s domestic market but positioning it as a global innovator in sustainable and intelligent mobility.

The autotech discussion underscored that the mobility ecosystem is at a defining inflection point, where physical and digital landscapes are converging to reshape the future of transportation. 

Parallel to electrification, vehicles are evolving into digital platforms. AI is central to this shift, moving from cloud to edge computing, where it powers real-time diagnostics, adaptive navigation, and driver safety systems.

This convergence signals India’s transition from trend adopter to global innovator. By combining scale in EVs with leadership in software and AI, India is shaping a mobility ecosystem that is sustainable, intelligent, and globally influential.