The Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi (HDB) region could emerge as a major industrial and logistics centre by tapping into India’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle value chain. Industry leaders believe the North Karnataka EV Hub opportunity can help local manufacturers, MSMEs, and start-ups move from traditional engineering into high-value clean mobility manufacturing.
Speaking at the DRIVE HDB (Developing Regional Industrial Value Chains for Electric Vehicles) workshop in Hubballi on August 18, Sanjay Alamelkar, Associate Vice President at JSW, highlighted the need to develop a strong regional industrial value chain connecting industries, MSMEs, start-ups, and local suppliers.
Why North Karnataka Is Well Positioned for EV Growth
The Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi belt already has a strong engineering, foundry, machining, and manufacturing base. This industrial expertise could be adapted to serve electric vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers.
The opportunity is also supported by Karnataka’s Clean Mobility Policy 2025–2030. EV sales in the state reportedly increased around 17-fold between FY21 and FY26, strengthening demand for local manufacturing and supporting infrastructure.
The proposed Dharwad Clean Mobility Cluster could further accelerate the North Karnataka EV Hub by attracting OEMs, facilitating technology transfer, and supporting eligible MSMEs through policy incentives.
EV Components Could Create New Opportunities for MSMEs
Electric mobility involves a much broader supply chain than final vehicle assembly. Local companies could explore manufacturing battery packs, wiring harnesses, power controllers, and electronic control units.
Belagavi’s foundry and precision-engineering capabilities could also support electric motors, powertrain components, and specialized castings.
Another opportunity is EV charging infrastructure. Karnataka already has more than 6,000 public charging stations, creating potential demand for chargers, electrical equipment, and grid-related components.
Better Logistics Could Strengthen EV Exports
The Hubballi-Ankola railway project could become an important logistics enabler by improving North Karnataka’s connectivity with coastal ports. Faster port access could reduce transportation costs and make locally manufactured EV components more competitive in domestic and export markets.
For the North Karnataka EV Hub vision to succeed, however, traditional auto-component manufacturers will need to upgrade their capabilities in precision electronics, sensors, power electronics, and other technologies, replacing conventional internal-combustion-engine components.
Partnerships and Incentives Can Accelerate the Transition
Initiatives such as DRIVE HDB can connect regional suppliers with larger EV manufacturers and national and global supply chains. Businesses can also explore applicable state incentives and central programs such as PM E-DRIVE to support clean-mobility investments.
With manufacturing expertise, policy support, improved logistics, and coordinated industry partnerships, the North Karnataka EV Hub could develop into an important component-supply and logistics base for India’s next generation of electric mobility.
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