Karnataka tops with 5,765 EV charging stations in India

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BENGALURU, Karnataka: According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, Karnataka emerged as the leading state in the country with the highest number of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, boasting a total of 5,765 public EV charging points.

KJ George, Karnataka’s Energy Minister, highlighted that this accomplishment reflects the state’s strong dedication to promoting electric mobility. The state’s strategic policies and initiatives demonstrate a focused effort to develop a comprehensive EV infrastructure and advance sustainable transportation.

Notably, the Bengaluru urban district is the largest contributor, accounting for nearly 85 per cent of the state’s charging stations. Bengaluru city alone has close to 4,462 of these stations.

Karnataka’s pioneering approach began with the introduction of its EV policy in 2017, making it the first state in India to do so. The policy was further strengthened in 2021 with increased incentives, showcasing the state’s continued commitment to electric mobility. Looking ahead, the government plans to establish model EV cities across Karnataka, aiming to enhance EV adoption and create a sustainable transportation framework for the future.

The development of these charging stations has been supported through various funding sources, including the central government’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, investments from BESCOM, green cess funds from the state transport department, and public-private partnerships.

In the 2024 state budget presented in February, Karnataka has proposed the creation of approximately 2,500 additional EV charging stations through a public-private partnership model.

Following Karnataka, Maharashtra ranks second with 3,728 stations, Uttar Pradesh third with 1,989, and Delhi fourth with 1,941 stations.