The year 2026 will be the most exciting year for car lovers. While the year 2025 has already offered plenty of options in each category, the year 2026 will be dedicated to EVs and hybrid powertrains. The customers are slowly moving towards mild and strong hybrid powertrains and EVs. As a result, brands are focusing on upgrading their earlier cars with electric and hybrid technologies. Here are 12 upcoming EVs and hybrids expected in early 2026.
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List of 12 New Cars Worth Waiting for in Early 2026
These are the top 12 new cars that are expected to be launched in early 2026:
| Car Name | Top Feature | Additional Feature | Expected Ex-Showroom Price (in Rs). |
| Tata Sierra EV | Modern design and retro looks | ADAS | Rs. 20,00,000 to Rs. 25,00,000 |
| Mahindra XEV 7e | Bold design and appealing looks | Ambient lighting and updated safety features | Rs. 21,00,000 to Rs. 30,00,000 |
| Tesla Model 3 | Futuristic design and long range | Advanced charging tech | Rs. 60,00,000 |
| Mahindra Thar e | Electric SUV with off-roading capability | Futuristic looks and comfortable interiors | Up to Rs. 25,00,000 |
| Maruti eVitara | ADAS Safety features with 7 airbags in higher trims | 360-degree camera | Rs. 17,00,000 to Rs. 22,50,000 |
| Leapmotor C10 | Large infotainment display and wireless charging support | 5-star EURO NCAP safety ratings | Rs. 15,00,000 to Rs. 22,00,000 |
| Mahindra BE 07 | Spacious cabin with plush seats | Futuristic design and modern dashboard layout | Rs. 25,00,000 to Rs. 30,00,000 |
| Leapmotor T03 | Level 2 ADAS in a budget car | Smart storage areas | Rs. 8,00,000 to Rs. 12,00,000 |
| Kia Seltos Hybrid | Rear defogger and rear and front parking sensors | Panoramic sunroof and 360-degree camera | Rs. 22,00,000 to Rs. 26,00,000 |
| BMW iX3 | Infotainment display with panoramic vision support | Long EV range of 800 km per charge | Rs. 65,00,000 to Rs. 70,00,000 |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO Hybrid | Level 2 ADAS suite | Spacious cabin and comfortable interiors | Rs. 15,00,000 to Rs. 17,00,000 |
| Honda Elevate Hybrid | Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist | Wireless Charging and 360-degree camera | Rs. 14,00,000 to Rs. 20,00,000 |
Note: These are estimated on-road prices. The actual prices may vary during the launch.
Maruti eVitara
Maruti eVitara will be the first all-electric car by Maruti. Though it is scheduled to be launched in December 2025, some reports also say that it could be launched in early 2026.
Maruti eVitara Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Maruti eVitara that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | Electric |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Mileage | Range: 500+ km per charge |
| Airbags | Up to 7 airbags in higher trims |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | SUV |
Its claimed range of 500+ km per charge makes it a game-changer for EV car enthusiasts in the country. Apart from that, the eVitara is also supposed to get better when it comes to safety features and specs.
Some car lovers might not like the fact that it will only offer the Front Wheel Drive (FWD) option. However, the reliability of Maruti cars and the growing EV infrastructure in India might make it one of the best-selling EVs in 2026.
Tata Sierra EV
The Tata Sierra with regular fuel combustion engines will be launched in 2025. Following this release, Tata Motors is planning to launch the Tata Sierra EV in early 2026. With the speculations and ongoing buzz for Sierra, the Sierra EV could be quite a game-changer in the electric SUV segment.
Tata Sierra EV Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Tata Sierra EV that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | Electric |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Mileage | Range: Up to 500 km per charge |
| Airbags | Up to 7 airbags in higher trims |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | SUV |
Tata Sierra EV is likely to offer advanced safety features, a panoramic sunroof, an immersive sound system from JBL, and more. From the point of view of comfort, it will offer ventilated front seats, dual zone climate control, and ergonomically-designed seats.
Mahindra XEV 7e
Mahindra XEV 7e is also expected to be launched in early 2026. It will be based on the XUV 700 SUV and will offer both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options.
Mahindra XEV 7e Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Mahindra XEV 7e that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | Electric |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Mileage | Range: Up to 500 km per charge |
| Airbags | Up to 7 airbags in higher trims |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Body Type | SUV |
It is expected to provide a range of up to 500 km on a single charge. With upgraded safety features and the reliability of the Mahindra EV network, this car might impress the EV seekers in the country.
Leapmotor C10
Leapmotor is a Chinese brand that mostly offers electric cars in India. It’s C10 is an electric crossover SUV that is already being sold in the UK and Australia. With the rear drive wheel option and claimed range of 239 miles, it could easily be the best mid-size electric crossover SUV in India after its launch.
Leapmotor C10 Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Leapmotor C10 that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | Electric motor (rear-mounted) |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Mileage | Range: Up to 263 miles per charge |
| Airbags | 7 |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | SUV |
The EV infrastructure of Leapmotor in India is still developing, and Leapmotor is selling imported cars in India right now. So, the availability of spare parts and servicing might be an issue even after its launch in 2026.
Leapmotor T03
Leapmotor T03 will be launched in January 2026 in India. An all-electric hatchback, it will be launched as an affordable EV in the Indian car market. T03 will also offer a decent range of up to 265 km per charge.
Leapmotor T03 Specifications
Here are the key specifications of Leapmotor T03 that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | Electric motor (rear-mounted) |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Mileage | Range: Up to 265 km per charge |
| Airbags | 7 |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | Hatchback |
Once Leapmotor works on its service network and availability of spare parts, it can do well with electric cars like the T03. However, the average car buyer in India might still prefer EVs from domestic brands like Mahindra and Tata Motors.
Mahindra BE 07
Mahindra BE 07 is one of the upcoming electric SUVs that will be launched in 2026. The name BE stands for Born Electric, and it will come in a fresh yet futuristic design.
Mahindra BE 07 Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Mahindra BE 07 that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | Electric motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Mileage | Range: Up to 450km per charge |
| Airbags | 7 |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Body Type | SUV |
With an estimated range of up to 450 km and advanced safety features, it will give stiff competition to the likes of the Maruti eVitara and Tata Safari EV that will be launched later this year.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Hybrid
Mahindra XUV3XO Hybrid will supposedly be launched in the first quarter of 2026. It will be a compact SUV similar to the design of the regular XUV 3XO.
Mahindra XUV3XO Hybrid Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Mahindra XUV3XO Hybrid that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.2-Litre Petrol Engine |
| Transmission | Manual and automatic |
| Mileage | 25 kmpl |
| Airbags | 6 airbags are expected only in higher trims |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid (Petrol + Electric) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | Compact SUV |
The 1.2-litre petrol engine with hybrid powertrain is expected to deliver a mileage of up to 25 kmpl. Features like automatic climate control, a 360-degree camera, and a large infotainment touchscreen system (10-inch) are expected in this hybrid car.
Honda Elevate Hybrid
Honda Elevate will also come with a hybrid powertrain. This variant might be launched in the first or second quarter of 2026. It will come with a 1.5-Litre petrol engine and a couple of electric motors.
Honda Elevate Hybrid Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Honda Elevate Hybrid that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.5-Litre Petrol Engine with dual electric motors |
| Transmission | Manual and automatic |
| Mileage | 26 kmpl |
| Airbags | 6 airbags are expected as a standard in all the variants |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid (Petrol + Electric) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | SUV |
The Honda Elevate Hybrid is likely to deliver a mileage of up to 26 kmpl. So, those interested in hybrid cars should wait for this launch before making any decision.
Kia Seltos Hybrid
The Kia Seltos Hybrid will be launched either in late 2025 or early 2026. It will be a second-generation Seltos with upgraded front and rear fascias. The 1.5 litre turbo petrol, diesel, and naturally aspirated engines will accompany a hybrid powertrain as well.
Kia Seltos Hybrid Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Kia Seltos Hybrid that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | 1.5-Litre NA, 1.5 Diesel, and 1.5 Turbo Petrol Engine with electric motors |
| Transmission | Manual and automatic |
| Mileage | 30 kmpl |
| Airbags | 6 airbags are expected as a standard in all the variants |
| Fuel Type | Hybrid (Petrol + Electric) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | SUV |
The hybrid variant will possibly deliver a mileage of up to 30 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in India then.
Mahindra Thar e
The Mahindra Thar e is an all-electric SUV that might be launched in 2026. Though its design was already revealed in 2023, it has not been launched in the Indian car market yet. Its design would be striking and quite different from the regular Thar. It will come with an all-wheel drive option as well.
Mahindra Thar e Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the Mahindra Thar e that you must know:
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | Electric |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Mileage | Range: 450 km per charge |
| Airbags | 6 airbags might be provided with all the variants |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | SUV |
The expected range of Thar e will be around 450 km. The rugged dimensions and exterior design elements will still be there. However, it will look much more futuristic and boxy than the original Mahindra Thar. Due to these reasons, it could be one of the best upcoming EVs in the Indian market.
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is likely to be launched in January 2026. It will house powerful 250 kWh superchargers to charge the vehicle quickly. It will come in three variants, viz. Rear-wheel drive, performance AWD, and Long-Range AWD.
Tesla Model 3 Specifications
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | Electric |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Mileage | Range: RWD Variant – 513 km per charge, performance AWD – 547 km per charge, Long Range AWD – 629 km per charge |
| Airbags | 8 airbags will be offered as standard in all three variants |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | Sedan |
Though pricey, the Tesla Model 3 is likely to give stiff competition to the EVs from Leapmotor, BMW, and Volvo.
BMW iX3
The BMW iX3 is a much-hyped and highly anticipated electric crossover SUV for a reason. It will be launched in early 2026 and will offer an impressive range of 800 km per charge. Due to its fast-charging capacity, it will offer a range of 350 km with only 10 minutes of charging. As a result, it is easily one of the best upcoming EVs in 2026.
BMW iX3 Specifications
These are the top specifications of the BMW iX3 that you must know
| Specifications | Details |
| Engine | Electric |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Mileage | Range: 800 km per charge |
| Airbags | 6 airbags will be offered as standard in all three variants |
| Fuel Type | Electric |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | Compact Luxury Crossover SUV |
Despite its amazing features, the BMW iX3 will be priced between Rs. 65,00,000 to Rs. 78,00,000. So, an average car buyer might still go for the cheaper electric cars.
Summary
These are some of the best upcoming hybrid cars and EVs in India that are expected to be launched in early 2026. Most of them are from Indian brands, while some cars from international brands also feature in this list.
You must consider your requirements, budget, and expectations in terms of features and mileage/range before planning to buy these vehicles. Also, picking EVs with a widespread network of charging stations would be a smart thing.
FAQs
Q. What is the difference between mild hybrid and strong hybrid cars?
Mild hybrid cars use electric power that only assists the car in propelling forward. On the other hand, strong hybrid cars can cover short distances on electric power alone. This is because the battery size of strong hybrid cars is relatively larger in comparison to the battery size of mild hybrids.
Q. Are electric cars the future of transportation in India?
Yes, many car experts consider EVs and hybrid cars as the future of transportation in India. The government also supports them as they control pollution and help in reducing fuel consumption.
Q. Why are EVs not as successful in India in comparison to some other countries?
India lags in the EV infrastructure, and people still raise questions about the durability and maintenance of the EV battery packs. Indian brands like Mahindra, Tata, and Maruti Suzuki are offering cheaper electric cars to build confidence among car buyers.
