From 2017 to 2023, EV registrations in the state grew by 1,275 per cent. All in all, there are 3.4 lakh e-vehicles in the state with 2.98 lakh two-wheelers, 23,516 four-wheelers and 18,246 three-wheelers
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Bengaluru has emerged as India’s leading city for electric car registrations in 2023, surpassing major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.
The city’s tech-savvy workforce, who are usually open to accept new technologies, zero road tax, subsidized electricity for EV charging, and an extensive network of charging stations have all contributed to this growth.
According to data from Jato Dynamics reviewed by electric car registrations in Bengaluru surged more than threefold in 2023, reaching 8,690 units. The city’s love for of EVs extends beyond cars and also includes numerous two-wheelers.
This tendency to choose EVs over ICEs has consistently positioned the city as a prominent proponent of EV adoption in India. While Bengaluru is the leading city in India when it comes EV adoption, the state it is located, Karnataka, has seen a nearly five-fold increase in EV registrations between 2018 and 2021, making it one of the top three states for EV adoption.
A report titled “Roadmap for Transformation of Bengaluru to a Global EV Lighthouse City in India,” prepared by the UK Government, NITI Aayog, and the Government of Karnataka, highlighted the state’s progress. The registration of EVs in the state has seen a whopping 1,275 per cent growth, as per a report by The New Indian Express.
In 2017-18, the city had 1,922 EVs. By 2023-2024 the number rose to 1,59,428. The vehicles include two-wheelers, three-wheelers and cars. All in all, there are 3.4 lakh e-vehicles in the state with 2.98 lakh two-wheelers, 23,516 four-wheelers and 18,246 three-wheelers.
As for the state with the most numbers of EVs registered, it is UP. Maharashtra and Karnataka take the next two stops.
By 2030, electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers will lead EV adoption in Bengaluru, with sales penetration projected to reach 30 per cent for private cars, 70 per cent for commercial vehicles, 40 per cent for buses, and 80 per cent for two and three-wheelers. The penetration of electric buses and private vehicles is expected to increase at a slower rate compared to other segments.
With the rise in EVs, the demand for charging infrastructure is also set to grow. The report projects that Bengaluru will need at least 58,416 charging points by 2030, driving the city’s energy demand to 11.73 gigawatt hours. Bengaluru’s conducive EV and energy storage policies, along with its thriving tech industry and extensive logistics network, are key factors supporting its transformation into a global EV lighthouse city.
Karnataka leads the nation in the number of publicly available charging stations, with over 5,500 stations as of February 2024. EVs account for 6-7 per cent of the total energy consumption in Karnataka, with Bengaluru alone accounting for over 5 per cent. According to Bescom data, EV chargers approved by the company have consumed 14.8 lakh kWh of power over the past two years, generating significant revenue.
Despite a slight dip in registrations towards the end of 2023, the overall trend in Bengaluru shows a considerable increase in EV adoption. Factors such as rising public awareness, diverse model options, and affordable costs have encouraged more people to switch to EVs. However, the city still has room to grow in the adoption of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and public taxis. The state government is keen on introducing electric buses to its fleet, further promoting EV use.
Karnataka’s EV policy is attracting significant investments, contributing to the state’s goal of becoming a major player in the global EV manufacturing sector. According to Ramesh Shivanna, a member of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry, increasing energy consumption by EVs will help the state and country achieve renewable energy goals. As India aims to become a global EV manufacturing hub, Bengaluru is poised to play a crucial role in this transformation.
