Under the revised Karnataka Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2023–28, the Department of Commerce and Industries has finalized Chikkaballapur, Bidadi near Bengaluru, and Hubballi-Dharwad as locations for new EV clusters, also referred to as EV Model Cities. Approximately 800 acres of land have been identified for these clusters.
These EV clusters are being developed to enhance the adoption of electric vehicles in Karnataka, with locations chosen based on the level of EV penetration in nearby districts. The state’s EV policy aims to attract Rs 500 billion in investments and create 100,000 job opportunities. The clusters are expected to draw EV manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), with plans to include the establishment of testing facilities.
Karnataka, the first state in India to introduce an EV policy in 2017, has updated its policy as the timeline for the original policy nears completion. Additionally, the state government plans to invest Rs 350 million to set up 100 EV charging stations.