As India moves towards a greener future, a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Index by HERE Technologies and SBD Automotive, released on World EV Day, provides an in-depth look at how states and union territories are faring in their transition to electric mobility. For the first time, this comprehensive index ranks Indian states and territories according to key metrics influencing electric vehicle adoption, usability, and accessibility.
In its first analysis for India, the 2024 HERE-SBD EV Index ranks Chandigarh as the clear leader, with a score of 81.9, owing to its exceptional availability of EV chargers and a high fleet share of battery electric vehicles. The city's success is largely due to its comprehensive Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Plan, which has encouraged both the purchase of EVs and the development of a large charging network. With 148 public EV chargers serving a fleet of only 179 BEVs, Chandigarh has established itself as a leader in developing an EV-friendly ecosystem.
Goa and Delhi trail closely behind. Goa is ranked second, with Delhi coming in third, owing to its robust charging infrastructure. Delhi has made significant strides in ensuring that EV drivers have easy access to charging stations, with one charger per 12.5 kilometres of road. This achievement helps to alleviate "range anxiety," a common concern among potential EV buyers who are worried about running out of charge before reaching a charging station.
Rajasthan has emerged as the state with the highest proportion of BEVs in its total vehicle population, with a penetration rate of 0.049 percent This achievement reflects the state's proactive policies promoting EV adoption. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh has made its mark by having the country's largest fleet of BEVs, with approximately 18,300 electric vehicles on the road. This large fleet size highlights Uttar Pradesh's critical role in driving the national transition to electric mobility.
Maharashtra and Karnataka, ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, also have strong performances. Maharashtra has been recognised for both its expanding EV fleet and increasing number of charging points, while Karnataka has been recognised for its policies encouraging EV adoption and infrastructure development.
While the index recognises the achievements of some states, it also highlights areas for improvement. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Sikkim are among the worst performers in the rankings. These states face significant challenges in expanding their EV infrastructure and increasing adoption, both of which are critical for meeting larger environmental and sustainability goals.
The report emphasises an important issue: the uneven distribution of charging infrastructure. For example, despite having a high average power capacity of chargers, Manipur only has one recorded public charger. This disparity highlights the critical need for additional investment and strategic planning to ensure more equitable access to charging facilities throughout all regions.
The EV Index evaluates states based on four primary metrics, each with a maximum score of 25, for a total score out of 100:
Charger Availability: Assesses the number of public EV chargers per kilometre of road.
Charging Speed: Evaluates the average power capacity of public EV chargers.
BEV Fleet Share: Considers the proportion of battery electric vehicles compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
Charger Occupancy Likelihood: Measures the ratio of registered EVs to public chargers, indicating the likelihood of finding an available charger.
Chandigarh's top ranking is primarily due to its high charger availability and fleet share. Delhi's strong performance in charger access, which includes significant infrastructure investment to provide a public charger every 12.5 kilometres, serves as a model for other regions looking to reduce range anxiety among EV users.
The report emphasises the importance of collaboration among automakers, energy companies, and government bodies in expanding EV infrastructure and boosting consumer confidence. Robert Fisher, Electrification and Sustainability Principal at SBD Automotive, stated that "developing a robust charging infrastructure is a monumental task that requires seamless collaboration across sectors to balance supply and demand for EVs."
Abhijit Sengupta, Senior Director at HERE Technologies, emphasised the value of data-driven decision-making in accelerating EV adoption: "The 2024 HERE-SBD EV Index is more than just a ranking; it is a tool that helps stakeholders understand the successes and challenges of India's EV landscape. We hope that by providing clear insights, we can catalyse further progress in electric mobility.
The report is both a reflection of the current state of electric mobility in India and a road map for future endeavours. While states like Chandigarh, Goa, and Delhi are leading the way with proactive measures, the lower-ranked states emphasise the importance of targeted interventions and strategic investments to improve EV infrastructure and adoption.
As India continues to transition to electric mobility, the findings of the EV Index are useful for policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers alike. The report suggests that government incentives, consumer education, and innovative solutions will be critical in ensuring that the transition to electric vehicles extends beyond early adopters to the general public.
While this is the first year that the EV Index has included India, it also includes findings from its second-year analysis of the United States and Europe, providing a global perspective on EV adoption trends. The inclusion of these regions provides context for how India's progress compares to other parts of the world, highlighting both common challenges and unique opportunities on the path to an all-electric future.
As electric vehicle adoption accelerates in India, the 2024 HERE-SBD EV Index provides an important benchmark for measuring progress and identifying areas for growth. This index's insights will facilitate informed decision-making and collaboration among all stakeholders in the electric mobility ecosystem. With the right policies, investments, and innovations, India has the potential to become a global leader in sustainable transportation.
