Quick Highlights:Mahindra XEV 9e crowned ICOTY 2026 Green Car of the YearKia Carens Clavis EV and BMW iX1 LWB secured first and second runner-up positionsEight electric and electrified models competed in the Green Car categoryICOTY 2026 jury comprised 19 leading automotive journalistsThe Mahindra XEV 9e has emerged as the Green Car of the Year at the ICOTY 2026 awards , underlining Mahindra’s growing dominance in India’s rapidly evolving electric vehicle space. With strong competition from some of the most advanced electric cars launched in the country, the XEV 9e stood out for its balance of performance, range, pricing, and overall value proposition. Completing the podium were the Kia Carens Clavis EV as the first runner-up and the BMW iX1 LWB as the second runner-up.As electric mobility gains momentum in India, the ICOTY Green Car of the Year category has become one of the most closely watched segments of the awards. The 2026 edition reflected this shift clearly, with a diverse line-up of electric vehicles and new-age mobility solutions competing for top honors.Mahindra XEV 9e: ICOTY 2026 Green Car of the Year WinnerThe Mahindra XEV 9e entered the Indian electric SUV market in November 2024 and quickly established itself as a strong contender in the premium EV space. Priced between ₹21.90 lakh and ₹30.50 lakh (ex-showroom) , the XEV 9e targets buyers looking for a combination of long driving range, robust performance, and modern electric architecture.The electric SUV is offered with rear-wheel drive and two battery pack options. The smaller 59 kWh battery produces 228 bhp and delivers a claimed range of 542 kilometers , making it suitable for both urban commuting and highway use. The larger 79 kWh battery pack ups the output to 282 bhp and extends the claimed range to an impressive 656 kilometers , placing it among the longest-range electric SUVs available in India.Its scalable platform, competitive pricing for the segment, and focus on range efficiency played a crucial role in helping the XEV 9e clinch the Green Car of the Year title at ICOTY 2026.Strong Competition in the Green Car CategoryThe Green Car of the Year segment at ICOTY 2026 featured eight contenders , showcasing how competitive and mature the Indian EV market has become. Alongside the Mahindra XEV 9e, the list of nominees included:BYD Sealion 7Hyundai Creta ElectricMG CybersterTata Harrier EVTesla Model YKia Carens Clavis EVBMW iX1 LWBEach of these models brought something unique to the table, whether it was cutting-edge technology, premium positioning, performance credentials, or mass-market appeal. Despite the tough competition, the XEV 9e’s well-rounded package helped it secure the top spot.Kia Carens Clavis EV and BMW iX1 LWB: Runners-UpThe Kia Carens Clavis EV finished as the first runner-up, reflecting Kia’s growing footprint in India’s electric MPV and family-oriented EV segment. Its practicality, brand reliability, and accessible electric mobility approach resonated strongly with the jury.The BMW iX1 LWB , which claimed the second runner-up position, brought premium electric mobility into the spotlight. With its long-wheelbase configuration, premium interiors, and strong brand appeal, the iX1 LWB highlighted how luxury automakers are adapting their global EV strategies for the Indian market.ICOTY 2026 Eligibility Criteria ExplainedTo ensure fairness and relevance, the ICOTY awards follow a strict eligibility framework. For ICOTY 2026, a car had to meet the following criteria:It must be a completely new model , not a facelift or minor updateThe vehicle must be manufactured or assembled in IndiaIt must have Indian type approvalThe car should be on sale in showrooms before November 30, 2025Fully imported models brought in via the CBU route are not eligibleThese rules ensure that only cars genuinely contributing to the Indian automotive ecosystem are considered.How the ICOTY 2026 Winner Was SelectedThe ICOTY follows a transparent and structured voting process. Each jury member is allotted 25 points , which they must distribute among the shortlisted contenders. A maximum of 10 points can be awarded to a single car , preventing any one model from dominating a juror’s ballot.Additionally, every juror is required to allocate points to at least five different cars , ensuring a broad-based and balanced evaluation across the segment.ICOTY 2026 Jury PanelThe ICOTY 2026 winners were decided by a panel of 19 eminent automotive journalists representing some of India’s most respected automotive publications. The jury included industry veterans such as Dhruv Behl , Founder and Editor-in-Chief of autoX, and Ishan Raghava , Consulting Editor at autoX and Secretary of ICOTY 2026. Their collective experience and deep industry insight lend credibility and authority to the awards.Other ICOTY 2026 Category WinnersApart from the Green Car of the Year, the ICOTY awards recognize excellence across multiple categories. For 2026:Maruti Suzuki Victoris won the Indian Car of the Year titleVolkswagen Golf GTI was named Premium Car of the YearTogether, these awards highlight the diversity and innovation shaping India’s automotive future, with electric mobility now firmly at the center of the conversation.With the Mahindra XEV 9e’s victory, ICOTY 2026 reinforces the message that electric vehicles are no longer niche offerings but mainstream contenders defining the next chapter of India’s mobility story.