Press release

India Synchronizes EV Sales and Charging Infrastructure Growth in 2024

Unprecedented growth in EV sales and charging infrastructure in 2024, setting a strong foundation for PM E-DRIVE to accelerate the shift toward a sustainable and net-zero future.

New Delhi, January 10: In a defining moment for India’s electric mobility revolution, EV sales soared to 19 lakh units in 2024, marking a 19% increase over 2023, accompanied by a record expansion of 25,202 public charging stations nationwide. These achievements underscore India’s commitment to sustainable transport, with the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme set to drive further transformative progress.

Comparative Performance of Top 10 States in 2024

India’s electric vehicle (EV) performance in 2024 was spearheaded by a handful of states, with Uttar Pradesh leading EV sales, contributing 19% of the national total, followed by Maharashtra (12%) and Karnataka (9%). These three states accounted for 40% of all EV sales in the country. Tamil Nadu followed this with 7% along with Rajasthan, and Bihar with 6% each, demonstrating growing adoption across diverse regions.

On the infrastructure front, Karnataka led with the largest public charging network (5,765 stations), accounting for 23% of the national total. Maharashtra (3,728) and Uttar Pradesh (1,989) followed, reflecting strong alignment between sales and infrastructure growth. Delhi and Tamil Nadu rounded out the top five in charging station installations. Together, the top 10 states drove over 70% of India’s EV sales and hosted the majority of its public charging stations, showcasing the regional momentum behind the country’s electric mobility push.

Growth in EV Sales and Charging Network

2024 showcased a synchronized leap in EV adoption and infrastructure:

  • EV Sales: Two-wheelers led the charge with 59% of total sales, followed by three-wheelers at 35%.
  • Charging Infrastructure: Public charging stations grew to 25,202 by December 2024. Karnataka led with 5,765 stations (23% of the total), followed by Maharashtra (3,728) and Uttar Pradesh (1,989).

This alignment between adoption and infrastructure ensures seamless support for India’s growing EV ecosystem.

PM E-DRIVE: Addressing the Next Frontier

The second iteration of India’s EV demand promotion policy, the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India II (FAME II) concluded in March 2024, after being in force for 5 years. According to the research by ICCT, 69% of the ₹11,500 crore earmarked under the scheme was utilized by the end. Another study by ICCT found that FAME II utilized 75% of the ₹893 crore allocated for charging infrastructure development.

The launch of the ₹10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme in October 2024 further bolstered India’s EV transition. Key elements include:

  • ₹2,000 crore for public charging stations, accelerating their reach and usability.
  • ₹500 crore for electric trucks, marking the first inclusion of this segment to address heavy-duty transport emissions.
  • ₹4,391 crore for electric buses, driving urban public transport sustainability.

For the optimum utilization of INR 2,000 crore allocated for the charging infrastructure under the PM E Drive scheme, ICCT study suggests prioritizing:

  • Charging stations in and around residential buildings or multi-unit dwellings
  • The development of DC fast chargers for trucks and buses on the Golden Quadrilateral highway network that comprises of 0.5% of India’s road network but carry 40% of the country’s road freight.
  • Support for all charging solutions with technology-neutral incentives that apply to all charging methods including wired charging and battery swapping
  • Support for specific cost-related challenges like upstream charging infrastructure and land could be subsidized under the scheme’s incentives

Link to the study: Charging infrastructure in India: Incentives under FAME II and considerations for PM E-DRIVE

2024: A Blueprint for the Future
India’s transport sector accounts for 14% of national energy-related CO₂ emissions. The record growth in 2024 strengthens India’s pathway to meeting its Paris Agreement goals and net-zero commitments by 2070. With PM E-DRIVE in effect until March 2026, the stage is set for even greater milestones.

Quotes Section

“EV incentive policies, including FAME and PM E-DRIVE, have been major drivers for the initial rise in the EV uptake and charging infrastructure in India. The year 2025 will be crucial as India forges ahead in its transition towards clean mobility, with the potential introduction of supply-side regulations such as fuel economy standards, which is imperative for the country to achieve its climate objectives” – Sumati Kohli, Researcher, ICCT

Media contact: Almas Naseem | communications@theicct.org

About ICCT: The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) is an independent research organization providing first-rate, unbiased research and technical and scientific analysis to environmental regulators. Our mission is to improve the environmental performance and energy efficiency of road, marine, and air transportation, to benefit public health and mitigate climate change. Founded in 2001, we are a nonprofit organization working under grants and contracts from private foundations and public institutions.

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