Delhi, India – September 9, 2024 – In a groundbreaking initiative coinciding with World EV Day, HERE Technologies and SBD Automotive have released their inaugural Electric Vehicle (EV) Index for India, showcasing the nation’s leaders in electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure. This comprehensive report ranks various states and union territories based on critical metrics that facilitate EV usability and expansion.
Chandigarh has emerged as the frontrunner in the 2024 EV Index, boasting an impressive score of 81.9, primarily due to its robust Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment plan. This plan not only incentivizes EV purchases but also enhances the installation of charging facilities, resulting in Chandigarh having the highest ratio of chargers to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with 148 chargers supporting just 179 BEVs.
Following Chandigarh, the top states in the index include Goa, Delhi, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Conversely, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Sikkim ranked at the bottom, highlighting significant disparities in EV adoption and infrastructure across the country.
The EV Index evaluates data from 2023 and 2024, encompassing all types of electric vehicles, including two- and three-wheelers. The assessment focuses on four key metrics: availability of public chargers per road length, average charging power capacity, BEV fleet share compared to traditional vehicles, and the likelihood of finding an unoccupied charger.
Rajasthan stands out for having the highest BEV fleet penetration, reaching 0.049% of its vehicle population, emphasizing its commitment to fostering a supportive environment for EV adoption. Uttar Pradesh, on the other hand, leads with the largest BEV fleet in the country, currently numbering around 18,300 vehicles, illustrating its significant role in the national shift toward electric mobility.
Delhi has made remarkable strides in enhancing its charging infrastructure, earning top marks for accessibility. The city boasts one charger for every 12.5 kilometers of road, effectively alleviating range anxiety among EV drivers, a critical barrier to widespread adoption.
While states like Manipur show promise with high average power capacities for chargers, the limited number of available chargers underscores the need for increased investment in infrastructure. Chandigarh’s average charging power capacity stands at 46 kW across its extensive network, setting a benchmark for other regions aiming to enhance their EV infrastructure.
Experts underscore the importance of collaboration among automakers, energy companies, and government bodies to develop the necessary charging infrastructure for electric mobility’s future. Robert Fisher, Electrification and Sustainability Principal at SBD Automotive, emphasized that consumer education and government incentives will be pivotal in accelerating this transition.
Abhijit Sengupta, Senior Director at HERE Technologies for India and Southeast Asia, noted that the 2024 EV Index serves as more than a mere ranking; it is a vital tool for decision-making in India’s electric mobility sector. By highlighting strengths and areas for improvement, the index empowers policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers to make informed choices that will further the adoption of EVs in the country.
This year’s index not only marks India’s debut but also provides second-year findings for the United States and Europe, offering valuable insights into the evolving global EV landscape.
