Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Apr 3: Karnataka has emerged as the leading state in the country with the highest number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, according to statistics provided by energy minister K J George and the union government. Bescom stands out as the largest contributor to EV charging stations in the state.

With a total of 3.31 lac electric vehicles in Karnataka, the state boasts 5059 charging stations. Comparatively, Delhi has 2.74 lac EVs and 1886 charging stations, while Uttar Pradesh lags behind with 7.45 lac EVs but only 583 charging stations. Tamil Nadu has 2.20 lac EVs with 643 charging stations, Kerala has 1.39 lac EVs and 958 charging stations, Maharashtra has 4.15 lac EVs and 3079 charging stations, and Rajasthan has 2.33 lac EVs and 500 charging stations.

An anonymous Bescom officer commented, "Despite the relatively lower number of electric vehicles in Karnataka, the state boasts a higher number of charging stations. All charging stations are required to be uploaded to the EV Yatra portal managed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the union ministry of electricity. This portal showcases Karnataka as having the highest number of EV charging stations in the country, encompassing stations in corporates, apartments, commercial, public, and private spaces."

A proposal has been submitted to the union government seeking permission to establish electrical charging stations along highways, toll-gates, and other public places along the highway. Currently, there are plans for 2880 charging stations under state highways, pending approval.