Delhi Tops Electric Vehicle Adoption in India: FICCI-YES Bank Report

Delhi Leads in Electric Vehicle Adoption, Uttar Pradesh Tops in EV Volume

India is steering its way towards a greener future with the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). What once seemed a futuristic dream is now turning into reality, fueled by rising environmental awareness, cost efficiency, and cutting-edge technology. A recent report by FICCI and YES Bank reveals that Delhi is leading this transformative journey, with EVs making up 11.5% of all vehicle registrations in the capital. This positions Delhi ahead of Kerala (11.1%) and Assam (10%), while Karnataka (9.9%) and Uttar Pradesh (9.2%) round out the top five.

Delhi’s Leadership in EV Adoption

Delhi’s proactive EV policy, introduced in 2020, has been a game-changer. With a vision to make the city the "EV Capital" of India, the government has rolled out numerous incentives, including road tax exemptions and subsidies for EV purchases. Chief Minister Atishi’s recent inauguration of 25 low-cost charging stations marks another step forward in bolstering the city’s EV infrastructure. The city has also integrated electric buses into its public transport system and introduced “mohalla buses” to enhance last-mile connectivity.

Delhi’s EV push has been complemented by an impressive expansion of charging infrastructure. The policy aims to address the key concerns of EV users—accessibility and affordability—while driving the city towards zero-emission mobility.

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Nationwide Trends: Who’s Leading the Charge?

Beyond Delhi, states like Gujarat, Odisha, Kerala, and Punjab have shown significant growth in EV adoption from FY 2021 to FY 2024. Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, leads in EV volume, with over 306,000 registered vehicles. Maharashtra follows with 211,000, while Karnataka (167,000), Tamil Nadu (101,000), and Rajasthan (100,000) complete the top five in volume. Together, these states account for nearly half of India’s total EV registrations.

However, the report also highlights areas of concern. Several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Northeastern regions, lag significantly in EV adoption. Many existing state EV policies are nearing expiration, underlining the urgent need for stable, long-term strategies to sustain momentum and attract investments.

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EV Insights by Vehicle Category

• Two-Wheelers: Two-wheelers dominate India’s EV market. Kerala tops in penetration, with 13.5% of its two-wheeler registrations being electric. Karnataka (11.6%) and Maharashtra (10.1%) follow closely. In terms of volume, Maharashtra leads with 184,000 registered electric two-wheelers.
• Three-Wheelers: Three-wheelers are crucial for urban and semi-urban mobility. Chhattisgarh leads in penetration at 89.5%, while Uttar Pradesh tops the volume chart with 246,000 units. However, Northeastern states and smaller regions have been slower to adopt three-wheeler EVs.
• Four-Wheelers: In four-wheelers, Kerala leads in penetration (5.4%), while Maharashtra tops in volume with 12,000 vehicles. Delhi continues to expand its presence in this segment, with EVs forming 3% of its total four-wheeler registrations.
• Electric Buses: Delhi dominates the electric bus segment, with 57.6% of its public transport fleet electrified. Assam (14%) and Karnataka (7%) are also making strides, but the gap remains substantial.

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Challenges and the EV Road Ahead

The report emphasizes the need to double EV adoption rates by 2030 to meet national sustainability goals. It recommends mandatory EV use in public transport and fleet operations, enhanced fiscal support for charging infrastructure, and improved collaboration between state and central governments.

Charging infrastructure, identified as a critical enabler, requires significant investment and policy clarity. States like Gujarat and Odisha have set an example by offering 25%-100% subsidies for private charging and battery-swapping stations.

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India’s EV revolution is well underway, with Delhi leading by example. However, sustained growth demands robust policies, cohesive planning, and infrastructural investments. As the nation accelerates towards zero-emission mobility, the collaboration of policymakers, businesses, and consumers will be pivotal in achieving a cleaner and greener future.