Electric vehicle usage doubles in Karnataka as fuel prices soar and awareness rises

Bengaluru: With rising fuel prices and growing environmental concerns, more people in Karnataka are turning to eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs). Over the past five years, the number of electric vehicle users in the state has more than doubled, and EV registrations have seen a 13-fold increase.

As per data from the Transport Department, the number of EVs in Karnataka stood at just 12,991 in March 2021. By March 2025, this number has surged to 1.73 lakh. The increasing demand for EVs is attributed to rising awareness, lower maintenance costs, zero road tax benefits, and government incentives.

Shift driven by affordability, environment, and policy

For many residents hit hard by fuel inflation and pollution, EVs have become a practical alternative. While consumers were initially hesitant about battery-powered vehicles, they are now embracing the shift wholeheartedly.

In a major policy move, the central government declared zero road tax on all categories of electric vehicles in 2016. The Karnataka government followed suit, offering tax exemptions for EVs costing below Rs 25 lakh.

“The rising fuel prices, combined with the central and state government incentives, public awareness, and initiatives like the Gruhajyothi scheme, have contributed to the sharp growth in EV sales,” said A.M. Yogeesh, Commissioner for Transport and Road Safety.

Two-wheelers dominate EV market in Karnataka

Out of the 3.34 crore registered vehicles in the state, 1.73 lakh are electric. Two-wheelers dominate the EV segment. In March 2021, there were only 11,773 registered electric two-wheelers. By March 2025, this number has soared to 1,48,443.

Four-wheeler EV registrations have also seen a steep rise—from 777 in March 2021 to 15,115 by March 2025. Similarly, the number of registered electric three-wheelers has grown from 439 to 9,512 in the same period.

Karnataka leads the nation in EV charging infrastructure

Karnataka tops the country in the number of EV charging stations, with a total of 5,880 charging points. Of these, Bengaluru alone hosts 4,462. This year, 140 new stations have been added. BESCOM, along with private companies and vehicle manufacturers, has played a significant role in setting up the infrastructure.

In the recent state budget, the government announced plans to install an additional 2,500 charging points across cities and major highways like the Bengaluru-Mysuru corridor, as well as at popular tourist destinations.

Though electric vehicles may have a slightly higher upfront cost compared to petrol or diesel models, the long-term savings from zero tax, low maintenance, and immunity from fuel price hikes make them an increasingly attractive choice for Karnataka’s consumers.