In a significant push towards electric mobility, Karnataka has emerged as the leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, boasting 5,765 public charging stations, the highest in India. The announcement highlights the state’s pivotal role in accelerating the country’s transition to clean energy transportation.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), as part of its efforts to promote EV adoption, introduced the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme on September 29, 2024. With an ambitious budget of ₹10,900 crore for a two-year period, the scheme aims to establish a robust EV ecosystem, focusing on manufacturing, infrastructure, and adoption. Of this budget, ₹2,000 crore is specifically allocated for the development of Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations (EVPCS).
To streamline the process, the Ministry of Power (MoP) issued the “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024” on September 17, 2024. These guidelines establish standards and protocols to ensure a connected and interoperable charging network across the nation.
According to NITI Aayog, the need for charging infrastructure varies based on factors such as EV composition, running patterns, geography, and the evolving technology of EVs and charging equipment. Given the dynamic nature of these variables, there is no global benchmark for the number of charging points required per EV.
Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel, reiterated this perspective in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing the importance of tailoring charging infrastructure to local needs.
Karnataka’s achievement underscores the state’s commitment to fostering a sustainable transportation future. The robust infrastructure is expected to not only support the growing fleet of EVs but also inspire other states to follow suit, driving India closer to its clean energy goals.
With initiatives like PM E-DRIVE and strategic state-level efforts, India’s EV landscape is set to witness transformative growth, paving the way for a greener, cleaner future.
State / UT wise installed EV Public Charging Stations (EVPCS)
| S. No. | State/UT Name | No. of EVPCS |
| 1 | Karnataka | 5765 |
| 2 | Maharashtra | 3728 |
| 3 | Uttar Pradesh | 1989 |
| 4 | Delhi | 1941 |
| 5 | Tamil Nadu | 1413 |
| 6 | Kerala | 1212 |
| 7 | Rajasthan | 1129 |
| 8 | Gujarat | 992 |
| 9 | Telangana | 956 |
| 10 | Madhya Pradesh | 903 |
| 11 | West Bengal | 763 |
| 12 | Haryana | 709 |
| 13 | Andhra Pradesh | 601 |
| 14 | Punjab | 593 |
| 15 | Odisha | 488 |
| 16 | Bihar | 347 |
| 17 | Assam | 276 |
| 18 | Chhattisgarh | 271 |
| 19 | Jharkhand | 256 |
| 20 | Uttarakhand | 177 |
| 21 | Jammu & Kashmir | 159 |
| 22 | Goa | 137 |
| 23 | Himachal Pradesh | 106 |
| 24 | Tripura | 50 |
| 25 | Manipur | 46 |
| 26 | Meghalaya | 43 |
| 27 | Puducherry | 41 |
| 28 | Arunachal Pradesh | 41 |
| 29 | Nagaland | 28 |
| 30 | Chandigarh | 13 |
| 31 | Mizoram | 12 |
| 32 | UT of D&NH and D&D | 6 |
| 33 | Sikkim | 5 |
| 34 | Andaman & Nicobar | 4 |
| 35 | Lakshadweep | 1 |
| 36 | Ladakh | 1 |
| Total EVPCS (nos.) | 25,202 | |
