Environmental issues, fiscal incentives from governments, and technology advancements are behind a significant move towards electric mobility in India. Several cities are leading the transition as the country works towards fulfilling its ambitious vision of 30% EV utilization by 2030. Founded on factors like EV penetration, charging infrastructure, policy initiatives, and public understanding, this study identifies the best 10 Indian cities to confront the EV phenomenon in 2025.
Chandigarh
At the forefront of the country’s EV readiness, Chandigarh has a thorough Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Plan. The city’s strategic incentives for EV acquisitions and the establishment of charging infrastructure have contributed to it achieving an impressive score of 81.9 in the 2024 HERE–SBD EV Index. Chandigarh has the best charger-to-BEV ratio in the country, with 148 public EV chargers supporting a relatively smaller fleet of 179 BEVs. To make Chandigarh a model EV city, the plans of the city aim for 80% of newly registered vehicles to be electric at the end of the policy duration.
Delhi
Due to its aggressive EV plans, Delhi has made excellent strides in pushing electric mobility forward. The Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy, launched in 2020, offers major financial support for buying EVs as well as road tax exemptions. The city enhanced last-mile connectivity by rolling out “mohalla buses” and incorporating electric buses in its public transit system. Delhi addresses range anxiety of EV customers by making charging stations easily accessible, with about one charger for every 12.5 kilometers. Delhi aims to bring its EV share from 2.7% in 2023 to 30% by 2030.
By 2027, the city plans 95% of new registrations to be electric under the upcoming Delhi EV Policy 2.0. A two-ICE cars per family cap and a ban on new gasoline and CNG two-wheelers from April 2027 are two of the key concepts. Subsidies of up to ₹36,000 for electric two-wheelers would be available for women, while tax and toll advantages will continue. Infrastructure, including better distributed charging stations, will be financed through an exclusive EV fund.
Bengaluru
With 4,626 of Karnataka’s 5,880 public EV charging points, or nearly 79% of the state total, Bengaluru leads India in EV charging infrastructure as of April 2025. This achievement is a testament to Bengaluru’s key role in the growth of Karnataka’s EV ecosystem.
As the pioneering state in adopting an EV policy back in 2017, Karnataka’s success could be traced to its early mover advantage in embracing forward-thinking regulations, which were further bolstered in 2021 with additional incentives. A multitude of fiscal sources, including the FAME scheme of the central government, investments from the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), green cess funds, and public-private partnerships, have aided the state’s infrastructure build-up.
Mumbai
Mumbai is determined to tackle an EV future by installing charging points in places strategically positioned and centrally located, including malls, business parks, highways, and city areas. Mumbai’s plans are a part of a grand scheme to tackle air pollution and promote clean transport. Mumbai is set to emerge as one of the biggest players in India’s electric mobility with its efforts towards developing its EV charging infrastructure.
Chennai
With an emphasis on energy conservation and smart mobility, Chennai included EV projects in its Smart City plans. In an effort to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, the city has implemented solar-powered street lights, intelligent meters, and green initiatives. Chennai’s shift to electric vehicles is made possible by its concentration on clean energy and sustainable urban design.
Hyderabad
With enormous emphasis being laid on the evolution of electric mobility and the development of comprehensive charging infrastructure, the city of Hyderabad is making sincere and substantial efforts in bringing electric vehicles, popularly referred to as EVs, to common use. Under a large-scale initiative undertaken by the Telangana state government to position the state as a cutting-edge hub of energy storage technologies and electric vehicle technology, there are several efforts being undertaken within Hyderabad. The strategic deployment of a large number of charging spots to enable EV use, coupled with a variety of incentives meant to support electric vehicle manufacturers as well as users in going the electric way, are some of the things being brought to fruition here.
Pune
Pune is proactively promoting electric mobility through infrastructure and facilitating policies. In addition to promoting public transport usage of EVs, the city is trying to establish charging stations. Pune’s initiatives are complementing Maharashtra’s master objective of being a state that paces the nation in EV deployment.
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is aggressively building its electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem through a combination of government support and infrastructural development. With big players such as Statiq (72 stations), Tata Power, and IOCL providing AC and DC fast chargers in popular areas such as Vastrapur, Sabarmati, Vejalpur, and Kuha, the city has over 100 EV charging stations as of 2024. To meet the increasing demand and curb air pollution, the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has made a significant move by declaring the installation of 81 more charging stations.
In terms of policy, Gujarat has also prolonged the 5% car tax concession on full electric vehicles until March 31, 2026. The policy is expected to increase adoption by substantially reducing the cost of owning an EV. To make EVs more accessible to the public, the Gujarat EV Policy also offers up to ₹20,000 in subsidies for two-wheelers, ₹50,000 in subsidies for three-wheelers, and ₹1.5 lakh in subsidies for electric four-wheelers.
In addition, 250 commercial public charging points will be set up by the state, with a 25% capital grant (up to ₹10 lakh per point) for equipment and machinery. Taken together, these initiatives reinforce Ahmedabad’s commitment to sustainable mobility and its growing role in Gujarat’s green transport movement.
Kolkata
As part of West Bengal’s larger initiative for environmentally friendly transportation, Kolkata is making notable progress in improving its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
India’s largest single-site EV charging center is planned to open in the Thakurpukur neighborhood of South Kolkata in a historic development. After China’s 650-charger hub, this EzUrja-developed facility will have 300 chargers, making it the second-largest in the world. Located on a nearly two-acre plot of land that was previously owned by PSU Andrew Yule & Co., the ₹7.5 crore project is anticipated to be completed by August 2025, ahead of Durga Puja.
In addition, at a cost of ₹125 crore, the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) has proposed setting up 241 EV charging points within the Kolkata Metropolitan Area. This scheme aims to promote the use of electric vehicles and reduce fossil fuel reliance. Saur Energy Worldwide.
These innovations reinforce West Bengal’s vision for a green transportation future and promote Kolkata’s commitment to being at the forefront of electric mobility.
Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is a major contributor to the state’s electric vehicle drive. Two- and three-wheelers were originally slated to get 150 battery switch outlets and 20 public EV charging points as a pilot district under the Kerala Electric Vehicle Policy. To ensure extensive availability and put to rest range anxiety among EV drivers, these were to be situated in a saturated 3 km x 3 km city grid with supplementary stations along significant highways and roads placed every 25 km.
Kerala is making significant efforts to develop a robust EV ecosystem at the state level. The government aims to have over 2,000 public charging points in the state by 2030, with the help of organizations such as COSTECH and websites such as ESYGO. This involves taking infrastructure to tier-2 cities and rural areas from urban hubs such as Thiruvananthapuram.
Thiruvananthapuram is positioning itself as a pioneering EV adoption city in South India because of a mix of government dedication, increasing commercial sector participation, and urban planning. These efforts enable national aims to reduce carbon emissions and develop sustainable urban transportation systems, complementing Kerala’s green mobility agenda.
In summary
As several cities have paved the way in terms of forward-looking legislation, infrastructure planning, and community engagement, India’s transition to electric mobility is gaining momentum. These ten top cities are a model for others to emulate and are the best examples of the country’s commitment to clean transportation. Collaboration among government, enterprise, and society will be crucial in building a cleaner and more efficient future for urban transport in India as the use of EVs increases.