EV dream meets reality: Karnataka’s electric vehicle users face charging, cost and infrastructure hurdles
While Bengaluru leads Karnataka’s transition towards electric mobility, vehicle owners say inadequate charging infrastructure, long charging times, and high purchase cost continue to pose challenges for wider adoption. Darshan Devaiah and Mini Tejaswi take an overview of the EV scenario on World Environment Day
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An electric vehicle being charged at Cubbon Park in Bengaluru. While national public charging infrastructure has grown to over 29,000 units, deployment remains urban-centric with a high EV-to-charger ratio (235:1). | Photo Credit: Sudhakara Jain
Buying an electric car has been a great decision for my daily commute in Bengaluru. It is comfortable to drive, and has reduced my fuel expenses. But whenever I travel to my hometown Mangaluru, I have to stop after around 220 km, and spend nearly an hour charging before continuing the journey, says Ramya Kumari, an IT professional from Bellandur. “While EVs are excellent for city driving, long-distance travel requires careful planning around charging stations, which can be frustrating.”
Her experience mirrors that of thousands of electric vehicle (EV) owners across Karnataka, where the shift towards cleaner mobility is accelerating, but infrastructure continues to lag behind demand.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged citizens to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel, citing the need to conserve foreign exchange and strengthen India’s energy security amid global uncertainties in fuel markets. Electric vehicles have emerged as a key pillar in India’s strategy to reduce oil imports and lower emissions.
India’s overall EV market penetration is expected to reach approximately 10% in FY 2026-27, led by robust two-wheeler sales from major manufacturers and growing four-wheeler adoption. While national public charging infrastructure has grown to over 29,000 units, deployment remains urban-centric with a high EV-to-charger ratio (235:1). Karnataka spearheads this deployment, housing 23% of the nation’s chargers, though 75% of these are deployed in Bengaluru, say industry observers.
Indeed, for Bengaluru residents, EVs have become increasingly attractive due to soaring fuel prices, rising environmental awareness and government incentives. Yet, once drivers venture beyond the city limits, concerns over charging infrastructure often ov
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