The shift toward sustainable mobility in India received a major boost as the Mahindra XEV 9e was awarded the Green Car of the Year title at the prestigious Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) Awards 2026. This recognition marks a milestone not only for Mahindra & Mahindra but also for India’s rapidly growing electric vehicle ecosystem. The award highlights the XEV 9e’s contribution to clean mobility, innovative engineering, and its ability to meet the evolving expectations of modern car buyers.
The ICOTY awards are known for their rigorous evaluation process, with an expert jury assessing vehicles on parameters such as efficiency, technology, sustainability, performance, safety, and overall value. Winning the Green Car of the Year award places the Mahindra XEV 9e among the most impactful eco-friendly vehicles launched in the country, reinforcing Mahindra’s position as a leader in electric mobility.
A New Chapter in Mahindra’s Electric Journey
Mahindra has been at the forefront of electric vehicle development in India for several years, and the XEV 9e represents the next step in that journey. Designed on a modern electric platform, the XEV 9e reflects Mahindra’s vision of creating sustainable vehicles without compromising on style, comfort, or performance.
This award-winning electric SUV showcases how Indian manufacturers are now capable of delivering world-class electric vehicles that are tailored for local conditions while meeting global standards. The ICOTY 2026 recognition validates Mahindra’s long-term strategy of investing in green technologies and future-ready mobility solutions.
Electric Performance with Everyday Usability
One of the key reasons behind the Mahindra XEV 9e’s success is its well-balanced electric performance. The vehicle offers smooth and instant acceleration, a signature trait of electric powertrains, making city driving effortless and enjoyable. At the same time, it delivers stable performance on highways, ensuring confidence during long-distance travel.
The XEV 9e’s driving range has been optimized to suit Indian road conditions and usage patterns. This practical approach makes it a viable choice for daily commuting as well as weekend trips, addressing one of the biggest concerns associated with electric vehicles—range anxiety. The ICOTY jury recognized this balance between performance and real-world usability as a major strength of the vehicle.
Sustainability at Its Core
As a Green Car of the Year winner, the Mahindra XEV 9e places sustainability at the heart of its design and engineering. From reduced emissions to efficient energy consumption, the vehicle represents a cleaner alternative to conventional internal combustion engine cars.
Mahindra has also focused on using eco-friendly materials and efficient manufacturing processes, further reducing the vehicle’s environmental footprint. This holistic approach to sustainability impressed the ICOTY panel, as the award is not just about electric power but about the overall impact a vehicle has on the environment.
Bold Design with a Modern Identity
The Mahindra XEV 9e stands out with its futuristic and bold design language. Unlike traditional SUVs, it features sleek lines, aerodynamic elements, and distinctive lighting that immediately signal its electric identity. The design strikes a fine balance between being modern and practical, ensuring broad appeal among Indian buyers.
Inside the cabin, the XEV 9e offers a spacious and comfortable environment. The interiors are designed with a focus on minimalism and functionality, complemented by premium finishes. A well-thought-out layout ensures that both drivers and passengers enjoy a refined and relaxing experience, making the vehicle suitable for long journeys as well as daily use.
Technology That Enhances the Green Experience
Advanced technology is a crucial aspect of any modern electric vehicle, and the Mahindra XEV 9e delivers strongly in this area. The car features a digital interface that provides real-time information about battery status, range, and energy consumption, helping drivers optimize their driving habits for maximum efficiency.
Connected car features, intelligent driving modes, and smart energy management systems further enhance the ownership experience. These technologies not only make the vehicle more user-friendly but also contribute to improved efficiency, aligning perfectly with the green philosophy of the XEV 9e.
Safety and Build Quality
Safety is another area where the Mahindra XEV 9e shines. Built on a strong platform, the vehicle offers robust structural integrity along with multiple safety features designed to protect occupants. Electric vehicles come with unique safety challenges, and Mahindra has addressed these through advanced battery protection systems and intelligent monitoring.
The ICOTY jury places high importance on safety, especially in the green car category, and the XEV 9e’s strong focus on occupant and battery safety played a key role in securing the award.
Why the ICOTY Jury Chose the Mahindra XEV 9e
The Green Car of the Year at ICOTY 2026 award was given to the Mahindra XEV 9e for its comprehensive approach to sustainable mobility. The jury recognized the vehicle’s efficient electric powertrain, practical driving range, modern design, and advanced technology as standout qualities.
What truly set the XEV 9e apart was its ability to make electric mobility accessible and appealing to a wide range of buyers. It is not just an environmentally friendly car but also a well-rounded product that meets everyday needs without compromise.
Impact on India’s EV Market
The success of the Mahindra XEV 9e at ICOTY 2026 is a strong signal for the future of electric vehicles in India. It highlights growing consumer acceptance and confidence in EV technology. Awards like these play a crucial role in encouraging buyers to consider greener alternatives and accelerating the country’s transition toward sustainable transportation.
For Mahindra, this recognition strengthens its brand image and reinforces its commitment to leading India’s electric mobility revolution.
Conclusion
The Mahindra XEV 9e winning the Green Car of the Year award at ICOTY 2026 is a landmark achievement for both the brand and the Indian automotive industry. By combining sustainability, performance, safety, and modern design, the XEV 9e sets a new benchmark for electric vehicles in the country.
This award is not just a celebration of a single model but a reflection of India’s growing focus on green mobility. The Mahindra XEV 9e stands as a symbol of progress, proving that the future of driving is not only electric but also exciting, practical, and responsible.