Gujarat Lags in EV Adoption as India’s Electric Vehicle Market Gears Up for Rapid Growth

• The state is one of the leading EV producing state in the country but adoption is just 2.7%

Udyamee, Ahmedabad:

India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is accelerating, with the sector now accounting for over 7% of total vehicle registrations, up from less than 2% in 2021. However, Gujarat remains behind other states in EV adoption despite government incentives, raising concerns over infrastructure gaps and policy effectiveness, the Reserve bank of India’s latest report reveled. According to the report, share of EV in total sales of vehicles in Gujarat is just 2.7% in 2024, while the state is one of the top five states in electric vehicle manufacturing.

The central government’s PM E-DRIVE Scheme, launched in September 2024, is fueling India’s EV expansion with an allocation of ₹10,900 crore over two years. This includes ₹2,000 crore dedicated to setting up charging stations, a key infrastructure requirement to support growing EV demand. Leading states such as Delhi (8.2%), Goa (7.1%), and Karnataka (8.5%) have seen rapid adoption, supported by strong policy initiatives and charging networks.

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is gaining momentum, driven by improved charging infrastructure, cutting-edge battery technology, and attractive government subsidies. As charging stations become more accessible and battery advancements enhance range and performance, EVs are becoming an increasingly viable choice for consumers. Government incentives have further lowered ownership costs, accelerating the shift toward electric mobility. Gujarat has positioned itself at the forefront of India’s EV manufacturing boom, attracting major investments from leading automakers like MG Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors. With these developments, Gujarat is fast becoming the epicenter of India’s EV revolution.

State-wise rankings for EV public charging stations

Gujarat’s Position in the EV Race
Despite being a manufacturing hub, Gujarat’s EV adoption rate stands at 2.7%, significantly lower than the national leaders. The state has 992 public charging stations, far behind Karnataka (5,765), Maharashtra (3,728), and Uttar Pradesh (1,989). This lack of infrastructure may be slowing down consumer confidence in switching to EVs.

“The incentives are good, but the real challenge is charging infrastructure. Without easy access to charging stations, many buyers hesitate to invest in electric vehicles,” said a local auto dealer in Ahmedabad. Experts believe that Gujarat must scale up its charging infrastructure, battery technology investments, and public-private partnerships to remain competitive. With the EV sector expected to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth, the state has the potential to emerge as a major player if it strengthens its policies.