Belagavi witnesses a rise in electric vehicle adoption

Caption: Electric vehicles are popular among youthsBelagavi: Belagavi is recording a steady rise in electric vehicle adoption, with over 30,000 EVs added in the last 3 years. Residents are increasingly opting for electric bikes, autos and cars, driven by eco-friendly mobility concerns and rising fuel costs, signalling a growing preference for sustainable transport.
People who were once hesitant to buy electric vehicles are now leaning towards them. The number of electric vehicles in the border district is increasing year by year as people are turning towards eco-friendly electric vehicles due to rising fuel prices, air pollution and other reasons.Earlier, people were hesitant to buy EVs due to fear of it being a new type of vehicle and battery-powered. Now, new designs of bikes, cars and autos with electric batteries gained people's trust, so people are leaning towards electric vehicles.According to the regional transport authorities, in the last 3 years, more than 20,000 electric vehicles were registered in the district. Electric vehicles registered in other states are also plying in the district. More than 30,000 EVs are plying within the jurisdiction of the regional transport office of Belagavi, Chikodi and Bailhongal divisions.Increasing trendAccording to officials of the regional transport authorities, in 2023, an estimated 5,300 electric vehicles were registered, including over 5,000 two-wheelers, over 130 cars, and over 100 autorickshaws. 6,200 electric vehicles were registered in 2024, and 7,000 electric vehicles were registered in 2025. People bought 6,000 to 7,000 two-wheelers every year for the last 3 years.The number of electric vehicle showrooms in the district, including Belagavi city, is increasing every month. Electric vehicles from various companies hit the market. From college students to middle-aged adults and small business owners, including hotels, electric vehicles are increasingly being embraced.Battery-powered vehicles also became a boon for delivery drivers who deliver items to customers who order online, on time. The maintenance cost of these vehicles is very low. In addition, due to Gruha Jyoti's free electricity, the bill when charging vehicles at home is also very low. Most people are attracted to purchasing environmentally friendly electric vehicles that do not cause air pollution.Commuters say that due to Shakti scheme, it is difficult to get buses on time. So, the purchase of electric vehicles is increasing in the district, and this should increase further in the coming days.Nagesh Mundas, an official of NWKRTC, said the department sent a proposal for the purchase of 200 electric buses.In Rajya Sabha on Feb 9, 2026, replying to an unstarred question raised by MP Iranna Kadadi, minister of state Tokhan Sahu stated that a total of 750 e-buses under the Central govt's PM-eBus Sewa Scheme were sanctioned to 10 cities in Karnataka, of which 100 were allocated to Belagavi.