In a major boost to India’s electric mobility ambitions, Karnataka plans EV City near Bengaluru, positioning the state as a global destination for EV innovation, testing, and manufacturing. The ambitious project was announced on February 5, 2026, during a high-level industry consultation chaired by IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge, with participation from over 30 leading EV and battery technology companies.
A 100-Acre Innovation Ecosystem Near Bengaluru
The proposed EV City will be developed on approximately 100 acres of land within a two-hour drive from Bengaluru. The government is currently scouting locations within a 100-kilometre radius, including Tumakuru, Ramanagara, and Chikkaballapur. Designed as an end-to-end ecosystem, the hub will cater to OEMs, startups, MSMEs, SMEs, and incubators, offering shared infrastructure and advanced facilities under a “pay-as-you-use” model to reduce entry barriers.
Integrated Proving and Testing Zone
A standout feature of the project is a 50-acre integrated proving and testing zone. This facility will include outdoor test tracks, urban road simulations, gradient and hill-testing sections, fast-charging test beds, and component benchmarking areas. Dedicated EV software and cybersecurity laboratories will support digital validation, while road-worthiness certification and vehicle performance evaluation facilities aim to eliminate the need for companies to travel outside the state for mandatory testing.
Centre of Excellence and Skilling Academy
As Karnataka plans EV City, the government is also focusing on talent development. The city will host a Centre of Excellence for electric vehicles and battery technologies, alongside a dedicated skilling and talent academy. Training will cover both white-collar and shop-floor roles, ensuring a future-ready workforce aligned with industry needs.
Strong Industry Backing
The consultation saw participation from major players such as Ather Energy, Bosch, Kinetic Group, Continental, Sun Mobility, Yulu, Indofast Energy, and several EV startups. Their involvement highlights strong industry confidence in Karnataka’s EV roadmap and collaborative approach.
Karnataka’s EV Leadership Advantage
Karnataka already accounts for nearly 20% of India’s EV sales, with over 717,000 electric vehicles registered to date. The state also leads in charging infrastructure, hosting around 5,400 public charging stations. With this strong foundation, Karnataka plans EV City as a strategic step to further accelerate innovation, adoption, and investment in electric mobility.
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