Karnataka clinches third spot in NITI Aayog’s Electric Mobility Index 2025

When the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025 was unveiled on Saturday, Karnataka found itself right up there with the country’s heavy‑weight performers. A solid score of 73 landed the state in third place nationwide – a tidy step up from its fourth‑place finish a year ago.

Delhi still wears the crown, scoring an impressive 84, with Maharashtra close behind at 78. But Karnataka’s leap is noteworthy, especially because it outstripped a host of larger neighbours and even beat Chandigarh, which posted 71.

What really sets Karnataka apart is its charging‑infrastructure readiness. The state posted a near‑perfect 97 in that sub‑category – the highest figure recorded across all Indian states and union territories. In plain terms, it means you’re far more likely to find a functional EV charger on a Bangalore road than you would in most other places.

Officials point to a suite of home‑grown initiatives that have helped build this ecosystem. The “Bescom EV Mithra” app brings together all public chargers under one digital roof, while a single‑window clearance system smooths out the red‑tape for new stations. The EV Accelerator Cell, another home‑grown project, is nudging startups and manufacturers toward faster, greener solutions.

It’s also worth remembering that Karnataka was a pioneer in policy‑making. Back in 2017 the state rolled out India’s first dedicated electric‑vehicle policy, covering everything from vehicle sales incentives to manufacturing zones and charging‑station guidelines. That early start is clearly paying off now.

The IEMI, now in its second edition, is a collaborative effort between NITI Aayog and the World Resources Institute (WRI) India. It looks at both the policy framework a jurisdiction has put in place and the actual outcomes on the ground – from the number of charging points to the share of electric buses in public transport.

At the launch ceremony in New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan, Additional Chief Secretary (Energy) Gaurav Gupta summed it up succinctly: “Karnataka’s electric‑mobility roadmap, from the EV Mithra app to the dedicated policy, is a model for other states.” The recognition, he added, underscores the state’s commitment to a cleaner, more electrified future.

With the next few years expected to see a surge in electric vehicle adoption across India, Karnataka’s strong showing in the IEMI 2025 could very well translate into real‑world benefits – fewer emissions, lower fuel costs for commuters, and a growing green‑tech industry in the state.