Karnataka is taking a major leap in electric mobility by planning to set up 40 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along national and state highways across the state. This ambitious initiative, led by Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM), aims to make long-distance EV travel seamless, thereby addressing range anxiety and pushing sustainable transportation forward in the region.
Table of Contents
Key Highlights of Karnataka’s EV Charging Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Charging Stations Planned | 40 (20 on national highways, 30 on state highways) |
| Key Highway Routes | Bengaluru–Belagavi (NH-48), major toll plazas, other routes |
| Current EV Charging Stations | 5,960+ operational public chargers (highest in India) |
| Charging Station Types | Fast chargers at toll plazas and strategic junctions |
| Approval Status | Pending NHAI (national highways) and KRDCL (state highways) |
| Benefits | Enables hassle-free long-distance EV travel, reduces range anxiety |
Karnataka’s Commitment to Electric Mobility
The state’s proactive stance on EV infrastructure has made it a national leader with the highest number of operational public EV charging stations in India. BESCOM’s Managing Director, N. Shivashankar, emphasizes that this expansion not only eases the worries of EV users on long trips but also accelerates the transition toward clean energy, supports sustainable tourism, and creates a green transport ecosystem.
Strategic Locations and Connectivity
This new network of 40 charging stations will be strategically set up at:
- Toll plazas along major highways
- Key junctions on the Bengaluru–Belagavi stretch and other important routes
- Tourist destinations and industrial hubs
By connecting major cities such as Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Mangaluru, and Belagavi, the highway charging infrastructure will enable smoother intercity travel for electric taxis, logistics fleets, and private EV owners.
Supporting National EV Goals
This initiative aligns perfectly with the Government of India’s PM E-Drive scheme, aiming for 30% EV penetration by 2030. Karnataka’s efforts complement this vision by:
- Encouraging widespread EV adoption through better infrastructure
- Promoting renewable energy usage, including solar-powered charging hubs
- Offering low-cost public charging tariffs to make EVs more accessible
Additional Developments
BESCOM has already launched India’s first solar-powered EV hub near Kempegowda International Airport, featuring second-life batteries to optimize energy use. The ‘EV Mithra’ app lets users locate and book charging stations in real-time, making EV travel planning convenient and hassle-free.
The installation of these 40 highway charging stations marks a pivotal moment in Karnataka’s electric mobility journey. It transforms EV travel from a city-centric experience into a statewide, practical option—fostering cleaner transportation and supporting the growth of EV fleets across the region. Karnataka sets a shining example for other states, paving the way for India’s green mobility future.
