The Centre has, for the first time, released detailed electric vehicle (EV) registration data for Karnataka, which was previously unavailable on the VAHAN dashboard.
As per the data released, Karnataka recorded 9,686 EV registrations in 2020, rising to 1,77,646 in 2024 and 1,69,704 units up to 27 November 2025. Bengaluru district alone accounted for 7,354 EVs in 2020 and 1,00,150 units in 2024, with registrations touching 91,693 in 2025 (till 27 November).
The government also shared updated data alongside a broader national assessment of EV uptake, safety incidents and regulatory measures.
VAHAN figures show that electric two-wheeler registrations have surged from 29,112 units in 2020 to 11,42,107 in 2024, with 10,91,113 units already logged in 2025 up to 27 November.
Electric four-wheelers have followed a similar trajectory, rising from just 4,216 units in 2020 to 99,789 in 2024, and accelerating further to 1,55,976 registrations in the first 11 months of 2025.
Safety concerns and testing requirements
The government noted awareness of recent accidents and fire incidents involving electric vehicles. It highlighted measures such as amendments to AIS:156 and AIS:038, which specify technical requirements for traction batteries across L, M, and N category electric powertrain vehicles. These standards have been enforced since March 2023.
Testing protocols include checks for overcharge and overdischarge protection, short-circuit protection, temperature management, voltage cut-off, and thermal propagation prevention. Testing is carried out by agencies notified under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
Infrastructure and policy measures
The Ministry of Power has issued guidelines for the installation and operation of EV charging infrastructure, including interoperability standards and requirements for battery-swapping stations.
Several policy steps have been taken to promote EV adoption, including exemptions from permits for battery-powered transport vehicles, fee waivers for registration and renewal, and provisions for all-India tourist permits for electric vehicles. Notifications also cover retrofitment norms and registration mark guidelines.
The National Highways Authority of India is developing wayside amenities with EV charging facilities. As of the latest update, 513 such sites have been awarded, with 110 operational and 64 equipped with charging stations.
Under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has allocated ₹2,000 crore for charging infrastructure, while subsidies under FAME-II have supported 8,932 charging stations at oil marketing company outlets. Of these, 3,261 have been energised. An additional 18,544 stations have been installed by the companies from their own funds.>
