Karnataka has emerged as the national leader in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, boasting the highest number of public EV charging stations in India. According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the state has established 5,765 public charging stations, with a significant 85% (4,462) concentrated in Bengaluru Urban district.
This achievement places Karnataka ahead of other states, with Maharashtra following at 3,728 stations, Uttar Pradesh at 1,989, and Delhi at 1,941 . The state’s proactive approach to EV adoption is further evidenced by its ranking among the top three in EV sales, contributing to 9% of India’s total sales in 2024 with over 1.7 lakh units sold.
Karnataka’s success in expanding its EV infrastructure is attributed to a combination of funding sources, including the Union government’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, investments from the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), green cess funds from the State Transport Department, and public-private partnerships . BESCOM’s efforts were recognized with the ‘Charge India 2024 Excellence’ award for its contribution to establishing EV charging infrastructure in the state.
In 2017, Karnataka became the first state in India to introduce an EV policy, laying the groundwork for its current leadership in EV infrastructure . The state government has announced plans to further bolster this infrastructure by establishing 2,500 new EV charging stations through public-private partnerships and investing ₹35 crore to set up 100 additional charging centers in collaboration with power supply companies.
These initiatives underscore Karnataka’s commitment to advancing electric mobility and promoting sustainable transportation. With continued investment and strategic planning, the state aims to solidify its position as a leader in India’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.
