Introduction: Mapping India’s EV Momentum, State by State
In a landmark move to benchmark India’s progress in electric mobility, NITI Aayog unveiled the first-ever India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) on August 4, 2025. The index evaluates all states and union territories across 16 indicators under three core themes: transport electrification, charging infrastructure readiness, and EV research and innovation. Delhi, Maharashtra, and Chandigarh have emerged as the top performers in overall EV adoption, setting the pace for India’s transition to clean and connected mobility.
Key Highlights from the IEMI Launch
- Delhi, Maharashtra, and Chandigarh ranked as overall frontrunners in EV adoption
- Index scores states out of 100 across 16 indicators grouped under three themes
- 29 states and UTs have notified EV policies; 4 more are in draft stage
- India registered over 12 lakh EVs in 2024, with 25,000+ public charging stations
- The index aims to foster healthy competition and policy innovation among states
Theme 1: Transport Electrification – Demand-Side Leadership
- Delhi, Chandigarh, and Maharashtra lead in EV penetration across private and public transport
- Delhi’s aggressive push for electric buses and two-wheelers has boosted adoption
- Chandigarh’s compact geography and policy incentives have enabled rapid EV uptake
- Maharashtra’s multi-city EV rollout and fleet electrification programs have shown scale
Theme 2: Charging Infrastructure – Building the Backbone
- Haryana, Karnataka, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh top the charts in infrastructure readiness
- Haryana’s urban EV corridors and fast-charging stations have improved accessibility
- Karnataka’s public-private partnerships have accelerated charger deployment
- Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh leverage tourism and terrain-specific EV solutions
Theme 3: EV Research and Innovation – Supply-Side Strength
- Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, and Telangana emerge as innovation hubs
- Tamil Nadu’s EV cluster in Hosur and R&D incentives attract global manufacturers
- Maharashtra and Karnataka host multiple battery and component startups
- Telangana’s EV innovation park and academic collaborations drive tech development
Policy Landscape and National Alignment
- Most states align their EV policies with national goals under FAME and PLI schemes
- Incentives include purchase subsidies, registration fee waivers, and tax exemptions
- States are tailoring strategies to local needs—urban congestion, rural connectivity, and industrial growth
- NITI Aayog emphasizes the importance of sub-national action in achieving net-zero targets
Industry Reaction and Strategic Implications
- Automakers and charging solution providers welcome the index as a benchmarking tool
- Analysts expect the index to influence investment decisions and policy revisions
- States lagging in adoption may use the index to identify gaps and replicate best practices
- The index is expected to be updated annually to track progress and recalibrate strategies
Conclusion: A Roadmap for Collaborative Acceleration
The India Electric Mobility Index is more than a ranking—it’s a strategic dashboard for India’s clean transport revolution. With Delhi, Maharashtra, and Chandigarh setting the benchmark, and others catching up fast, the index offers a clear view of where India stands and where it’s headed. As states compete and collaborate to electrify mobility, the IEMI will serve as a compass guiding India toward a sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven transport future.
Source: Economic Times
