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Chandigarh Claims Top Spot on India's EV Infrastructure Index

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 8:56 GMT by The Hans India

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Chandigarh Tops India’s EV Infrastructure Index as Electric‑Vehicle Fleet Share Grows 1 %

In a striking demonstration of its commitment to clean transport, the city of Chandigarh has climbed to the top of India’s latest Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Index, a benchmark that evaluates the readiness of urban centres to support the electrification of their fleets. The result comes on the back of a 1‑percentage‑point rise in the city’s EV fleet share, pushing the proportion of electric cars, bikes and buses in Chandigarh’s vehicle registry to 1.7 %—the highest increase recorded among the country’s 25 megacities in the past year.

How the Index Works

The EV Infrastructure Index, compiled by the Centre for Mobility Studies (CMS) in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, measures six core dimensions that determine a city’s capacity to host a thriving electric transport ecosystem:

1. Charging Density – number of public charging points per 10 000 EVs and the geographic spread of those points.
2. Battery‑Swapping Facilities – availability of quick‑swap stations for scooters and buses.
3. Grid Capacity & Renewable Mix – the ability of the local electricity grid to absorb the added load, coupled with the proportion of renewable energy sources feeding the grid.
4. Policy & Incentives – the presence of municipal subsidies, tax rebates, and streamlined permitting processes for EV purchases and infrastructure development.
5. Fleet Electrification Initiatives – active programmes that convert municipal fleets, including buses and service vehicles, to electric power.
6. Public Awareness & Service Ecosystem – the penetration of EV‑friendly services such as mobile‑app‑based charging bookings, maintenance hubs, and consumer education campaigns.

Chandigarh earned the highest composite score by scoring top marks in charging density and policy incentives, while ranking second in grid capacity and fleet electrification.

The 1 % Surge in EV Share

The 1 % climb in EV share reflects both consumer uptake and public‑sector push. According to the city’s Transport Department, the number of registered electric cars rose from 3,200 in January 2023 to 4,800 by December 2023. Electric two‑wheelers and three‑wheelers—often the backbone of last‑mile delivery in the city—also saw a 2‑percentage‑point jump, while the municipal bus fleet increased from 15 to 24 fully electric buses.

“Chandigarh has been an early adopter of EV policies,” notes Dr. Aruna Singh, a senior analyst at CMS. “The city’s ‘Smart City’ budget has earmarked ₹50 million for installing rapid‑charge stations, and a partnership with the state’s energy company has secured a dedicated renewable‑energy feed for the charging network. That synergy is what translates into tangible fleet growth.”

The city’s EV‑friendly tax regime—elimination of registration duty for EVs and a 10 % discount on annual road‑tax for electric two‑wheelers—has further accelerated the shift. Additionally, the municipal government’s ‘Buy‑Electric‑Now’ programme has delivered 15 electric buses to the public transport system, setting a benchmark for other cities.

Why Chandigarh Outshines Other Megacities

Chandigarh’s edge over larger metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru can be traced to several factors:

• Compact Urban Footprint – With a total area of just 114 km², the city’s compactness allows for dense charging coverage. The average distance between two charging points is 5 km, compared with 12 km in Delhi and 18 km in Mumbai.

• Proactive Municipal Leadership – The city’s Municipal Corporation has adopted a “Zero‑Emission” roadmap that sets quarterly targets for EV infrastructure rollout, monitored by an independent oversight committee.

• Renewable Energy Commitment – Chandigarh’s municipal grid receives 70 % of its electricity from solar and wind projects, providing a cleaner charging experience that appeals to eco‑conscious consumers.

• Strategic Partnerships – The city has partnered with private firms such as ChargeHub and EVGo to deploy 200 rapid‑charge stations, and with battery manufacturers to offer local servicing hubs.

In contrast, Delhi’s charging density is hampered by limited parking space, and Mumbai’s topography makes rapid‑charge deployment logistically challenging. Bengaluru, while advanced in software solutions, still lags in the physical infrastructure needed to support a mass‑market EV fleet.

Policy Context and National Goals

India’s Ministry of Heavy Industries has set a national target of 30 % EV penetration in the country’s vehicle fleet by 2030. Chandigarh’s 1.7 % EV share—although modest in absolute terms—exemplifies how a city‑level policy can make headway toward the national objective.

The city’s growth also aligns with the Central Government’s “FAME‑IV” (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme, which offers grants for both EV purchase and charging infrastructure. In Chandigarh, the scheme has financed 60 % of the costs for new battery‑swap stations, significantly reducing the capital barrier for small businesses.

“Chandigarh is a micro‑case study showing that with a clear roadmap, local incentives, and strong grid support, cities can accelerate the EV transition quickly,” says Rahul Mehta, a policy advisor with the Ministry of Transport. “We hope to replicate this model in other metros, especially in the North‑East and the central states.”

Challenges Ahead

Despite the promising trajectory, Chandigarh faces several challenges that could temper future growth:

• Battery Disposal and Recycling – With an expected surge in battery consumption, the city will need to establish recycling infrastructure to manage end‑of‑life batteries responsibly.

• Electric Grid Strain – While the current renewable mix is robust, a further influx of EVs could strain peak‑time demand, requiring grid upgrades and smart‑metering solutions.

• Affordability for Low‑Income Consumers – While subsidies help, the upfront cost of EVs remains high for many residents. Expanding financing options and second‑hand EV markets will be critical.

• Inter‑City Connectivity – As Chandigarh’s EV fleet grows, ensuring seamless charging across adjoining districts like Panchkula and Mohali will require inter‑municipal coordination.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, Chandigarh’s municipal council plans to add 150 new rapid‑charge stations over the next two years, aiming for a charging point every 3 km. Coupled with an aggressive public‑transport electrification plan that targets 80 % of the bus fleet by 2030, the city positions itself as a national trailblazer in the EV domain.

The success story of Chandigarh underscores the importance of city‑level leadership in driving clean mobility. By marrying robust infrastructure development, generous incentives, and a vision for a sustainable future, Chandigarh has shown that even small megacities can lead the charge toward a cleaner, greener transportation ecosystem.