HERE Technologies and SBD Automotive release electric vehicle index for India

HERE Technologies, a location data and technology platform, in partnership with SBD Automotive, a global automotive research firm, has launched an Electric Vehicle (EV) Index for India. Announced on September 9, coinciding with World EV Day, the Index ranks selected Indian states and union territories based on key factors influencing EV adoption and usability.

The Index assesses data from 2023 and 2024, covering all EVs, including two- and three-wheelers. It evaluates four main metrics: the number of public EV chargers per road length, the average power capacity of public EV chargers, the ratio of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to internal combustion engine vehicles, and the ratio of registered EVs to public chargers. Each metric is ranked out of 25, with a total possible score of 100.

Chandigarh leads the Index with a score of 81.9, attributed to its Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment plan, which promotes the purchase of EVs and the development of charging infrastructure. Chandigarh also has the highest number of chargers per BEV, with 148 chargers available for a population of 179 BEVs.

Rajasthan stands out with the highest percentage of BEVs in its vehicle population at 0.049%. Uttar Pradesh, meanwhile, has the largest number of BEVs on the road, with approximately 18,300 vehicles. Delhi ranks highest for charger infrastructure access, with one charger for every 12.5 km of road, helping to address concerns about range anxiety among EV drivers.

Manipur shows a high score for the average power capacity of its chargers but has only one recorded charger, highlighting an uneven distribution of infrastructure. Chandigarh, among states with a significant number of chargers, has an average power capacity of 46 kW across its 148 chargers.

The Index aims to provide a comprehensive view of the current state of EV infrastructure and adoption in India, helping policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers make informed decisions. According to Robert Fisher, Electrification and Sustainability Principal at SBD Automotive, government incentives and consumer education will be crucial in advancing the market for EVs beyond early adopters.

Abhijit Sengupta, Senior Director and head of business for India and Southeast Asia at HERE Technologies, described the Index as a tool for informed decision-making in India's electric mobility sector. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions to support the continued growth of EV adoption in India.

The 2024 HERE–SBD EV Index also includes findings for the US and Europe, offering insights into the evolving EV landscape in these regions.

The full rankings and interactive maps for India, the US, and Europe can be accessed at the HERE Technologies website.

The Index excludes certain Indian states and union territories, including Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, and Jammu & Kashmir. The Index relies on data from the HERE EV Charge Points API, which gathers information from public charging points but excludes private charge stations.

The 2024 HERE–SBD EV Index provides a snapshot of the electric vehicle adoption and infrastructure landscape. It aims to highlight areas of progress and identify where further efforts are needed to support the transition to electric mobility.