India passes 5.5 million EVs as Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities drive fastest adoption
By Eve
India surpassed 5.5 million electric vehicles on its roads in early 2025, with the fastest growth now coming from secondary cities rather than major metros, according to IBEF. Union and state governments are deploying schemes including FAME-II, PM eBus Sewa, PM e-DRIVE and a Production-Linked Incentive programme for EV batteries to expand public and private fleets of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars, buses and light commercial vehicles. The India Electric Mobility Index ranks Delhi, Maharashtra and Chandigarh as frontrunners, with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Haryana as performers in EV adoption and charging infrastructure.
Why it matters: Rapid electrification beyond Tier-1 cities signals a broadening market for charge-point operators and equipment suppliers across hundreds of smaller urban centres. National subsidy schemes and state-level policy support are creating procurement opportunities for bus depots, fleet hubs and public charging networks in previously underserved regions.