Bengaluru
Karnataka is rapidly advancing in electric mobility, and as Sumati Kohli reports, the state now has an opportunity to take its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) transition even further. In 2024, Karnataka ranked third in India for new battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales, achieving a 9% market share. It also led in public charging infrastructure, installing over 5,700 new stations, the highest in the country.
The Karnataka Clean Mobility Policy 2025-30, launched recently, focuses on expanding ZEV manufacturing, which includes BEVs and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Additionally, the Karnataka Budget 2025 has allocated ₹25 crore for an advanced EV cluster to support manufacturers. Already an automobile hub, Karnataka could become a key center for clean vehicle innovation.
The policy promotes the entire ZEV ecosystem, offering incentives for battery production, recycling, charging stations, and hydrogen refueling infrastructure. These incentives include subsidies, tax benefits, and skill development programs. However, while financial incentives help, leading markets like California and China have shown that supplementing them with ZEV sales mandates can drive faster adoption.
A ZEV mandate would require manufacturers to meet a minimum sales percentage of electric vehicles, leading to more model choices, economies of scale, and lower costs. It also provides certainty to investors and infrastructure providers, ensuring long-term growth.
For successful implementation in India, legal backing and stakeholder coordination will be crucial. Karnataka has already taken major steps in clean mobility, and integrating a ZEV mandate could solidify its position as a leader in India’s transition to sustainable transportation.