The Indian automotive market is electrifying fast, with consumers and OEMs looking for lightweight, energy efficient and intelligent solutions. Steering systems are at a tipping point, moving from traditional Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS) to Electric Power Steering (EPS).
This article looks at the steering system demand on India’s EV platforms and opportunities for component suppliers and automakers.
India EV Market Background
The India EV market is growing fast, with electric vehicles expected to account for nearly 30% of passenger car sales by 2030. This is for cleaner transportation, reduced air pollution and climate change.
The growth is driven by India EV policy, including FAME II incentives, electric mobility promotion schemes for two and three wheelers, stricter emission norms and support for domestic battery manufacturing. Initiatives to improve EV infrastructure, safety and connectivity, along with electrification of public transport are further accelerating adoption.
Players like Maruti Suzuki, Mercedes Benz, Ola Electric and Ather Energy are shaping India’s EV market, with Ola Electric and Ather Energy dominating the electric two wheeler segment.
The EV transition also presents opportunities for automotive components India, as OEMs look for localised production and cost effective electric steering solutions. Challenges remain in rural areas due to limited charging infrastructure and slower adoption, while advancements in battery technology and alignment with safety and emission norms are key for sustainable growth.
Government Initiatives for EV Adoption
The Indian government has taken proactive steps to promote EV adoption, launching initiatives that are changing the mobility landscape. The FAME India Scheme provides substantial subsidies to buyers of electric and hybrid vehicles, effectively boosting sales of electric two wheelers and three wheelers, key segments in urban and rural transport.
To address range anxiety, the government is prioritising the development of EV charging infrastructure, especially along highways and in densely populated cities. Also, the GST on electric vehicles has been reduced from 12% to 5%, making EVs more affordable and competitive. These measures have been welcomed by leading EV manufacturers like Tata Motors, Hyundai Motor India and JSW MG Motor India, who are expanding their electric passenger and commercial vehicle portfolios.Events like Bharat Mobility Global Expo are showcasing India’s ambition to be a global leader in electric mobility, with new EV technologies and collaboration between domestic and international stakeholders. The government’s target of 30% electric vehicle sales by 2030 is driving new models and rapid market growth.
These policies are also fuelling growth of the Indian EV battery market, expected to reach US$27.7 billion by 2028, supporting growth of electric passenger vehicles, scooters and commercial vehicles.
Overall, India’s comprehensive approach—combining financial incentives, infrastructure development and global promotion is shaping the future of electric mobility and making India a leader in the global EV market.
Electric Steering Demand in India EV Market
1. Lightweight Trend
On EV platforms, weight reduction is key to improving range. Lightweight steering solutions like aluminum steering columns, compact gearboxes and modular EPS designs are becoming mainstream in Indian electric vehicles.
2. EPS Adoption
Electric Power Steering (EPS) is replacing hydraulic systems fast, as it improves fuel efficiency and reduces energy consumption by 2-4%. Today EPS is the norm in both passenger cars and commercial vehicles in India’s EV market.
3. Sustainability & Localised Manufacturing
Demand for eco-friendly and cost effective steering solutions is pushing suppliers towards recyclable materials and energy efficient production. Localised steering system manufacturing is critical to meet OEM requirements and reduce supply chain risks.
4. Software Defined vehicles
EVs are requiring software driven steering control to enable features like lane-keeping assist, automatic parking and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This is reshaping steering from a hardware component to a software integrated system.
Competitive Landscape in India EV Market
Global and local suppliers are expanding their presence in India’s EV steering market. JTEKT India, Nexteer Automotive, ZF Steering Gear, Rane NSK and Mando Automotive are among the leading players investing in EPS technology.
Partnerships between domestic manufacturers and international Tier-1 companies are further driving localised R&D and production, making India a stronger player in the global steering industry.
Opportunities in India’s EV Market for Suppliers
For steering system suppliers, the transition to EVs in India presents a big opportunity: OEMs are looking for customized steering solutions for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and electric vehicles.
Localized manufacturing with technology upgradation is the key to enter and scale in the Indian market.
With software defined vehicles, steering systems will need to integrate seamlessly with ADAS and autonomous driving technologies.
XEPS: The Future of Steering Systems in India’s Electric Vehicle Market
XEPS is a leading company in research, development, manufacturing and sales of automotive steering systems, providing customized steering solutions to global leading OEMs. Our mission is to help customers achieve the optimal balance between safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness and enhance the driving experience with comfort, precision and energy efficiency.
For Indian electric vehicle OEMs we offer:
- Electric Power Steering (EPS): Our EPS systems are lighter in weight, reducing energy consumption by 2-4% while improving fuel efficiency and driving range.
- Steering Gear & Columns: Designed with aluminum alloys, modular structures and compact layouts to meet the demands of electrification and smart mobility.
- Steer-by-Wire: Enabling flexible vehicle design, enhanced safety and customizable steering feel. Ideal for high-end EV platforms, supporting the evolution of software defined vehicles.
- ADAS Related System Development & Customized Solutions: Based on steering integration, XEPS develops advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) tailored to OEM requirements. By combining steering systems with sensors and control algorithms, we support intelligent functions like Lane Keep Assist (LKA), automated parking and emergency steering maneuvers.
As India’s EV market grows, XEPS is playing a key role in this transformation. We have already partnered with several well known EV manufacturers to supply efficient and reliable EPS solutions for electric three wheelers and passenger cars, helping them achieve breakthroughs in lightweight design, energy savings and intelligent driving.
To meet local market requirements, XEPS is planning to set up a local production base in India, with an integrated model of “R&D + Manufacturing + Service” to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce delivery cycles and costs.With India’s EV market growing fast and government support strong, XEPS is ready to be a partner and a driver of the nation’s electrification journey. Going forward we will introduce new steering technologies, accelerate EPS adoption, advance Steer-by-Wire applications and deepen ADAS integration—helping India’s auto industry to reach new heights of electrification and smart mobility.
Conclusion
The electrification wave in Indian auto market is changing the steering system landscape. EPS will be widely adopted and Steer-by-Wire will be rolled out gradually. The opportunity is huge.
For component suppliers, now is the time to enter India—local production, advanced technology and close collaboration with OEMs to grab the growth in one of the world’s largest automotive market.
