Background:

• Announced in Karnataka State Budget 2024–25.
• Plan: Set up 2,500 EV public charging stations under Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
• Also proposed: 100 charging stations by ESCOMs at a cost of ₹35 crore.

Project Dropped:

• Reason: Lack of positive response from EV stakeholders.
• Nodal Agency: BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company).
• A government order in June 2025 made the cancellation official.

Past Challenges:

• 2023–24:
  • Govt ordered 585 stations in 9 districts – none set up.
• 2024–25:
  • Tender for 605 stations in 22 districts.
  • No bids in 18 districts.
  • Only one bidder each in 4 districts.
• Issues:
  • Lack of cooperation from govt departments for land lease.
  • BESCOM couldn’t identify suitable land.

Key Challenges Faced:

1. Lack of Land Access: No support from departments to lease land.
2. Low EV Demand: Financially risky for agencies due to limited usage.
3. Financial Risks:
   • No guarantee of ROI.
   • Current PPP model lacks incentives for private players.

EV Statistics (Karnataka 2025):

• Total EVs: 95 lakh (approx.).
• EVs sold in 2025: 1,04,415.
• New Plan: BESCOM to set up 100 charging stations with ₹35 crore fund.