Karnataka Leads Clean Mobility Drive with New Policy

Bengaluru, Feb 24 (KNN) Karnataka has once again positioned itself at the forefront of India’s clean mobility revolution with the launch of its ambitious Clean Mobility Policy during the Global Investors Meet earlier this month.

Building on its legacy as the first Indian state to introduce an Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, Karnataka now aims to set a national benchmark by expanding its focus beyond EVs to a holistic clean mobility ecosystem.

The policy’s announcement comes on the heels of the Union Budget’s exemption of basic customs duties on lithium-ion battery components, a move expected to lower production costs and stimulate sectoral growth.

Karnataka’s Clean Mobility Policy takes a bold step forward by targeting Rs 50,000 crore in investments and the creation of one lakh jobs, emphasising local manufacturing, capital subsidies, and the establishment of battery-swapping networks.

Industry experts see this as a significant evolution. “The policy will definitely create a push in terms of investments, as previously seen with states like Tamil Nadu,” noted Arti Roy, Associate Director at CareEdge Ratings.

The policy’s scope includes alternative powertrains such as hydrogen and biofuels, though Roy acknowledges challenges remain. “While hydrogen is widely discussed, it’s still in its infancy in India,” she added.

However, questions linger regarding the policy’s execution. “Industry players like us require a clearer roadmap, including implementation frameworks and incentive structures, to align investments accordingly,” said Anagh Ojha, Co-founder and CTO of Urja Mobility.

Smaller companies, particularly those focusing on research and development, fear being overshadowed by larger corporations absorbing most subsidies—a concern echoed by Maxson Lewis, CEO of Magenta Mobility.

Experts also emphasise the urgent need for infrastructure convergence. “Currently, EV users juggle multiple charging apps with varying rates. Unified networks are essential,” Lewis explained.

Ojha further stressed the need for a broader ecosystem, including Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS), EV leasing, and smart energy storage solutions, to maximise fleet uptime and commercial EV adoption.

While incentives like road tax exemptions for hybrids under Rs 25 lakhs are welcomed, stakeholders argue that extending similar benefits to EVs could accelerate consumer adoption.

“This policy is a solid foundation, but deeper R&D incentives and clearer implementation plans are crucial for long-term impact,” concluded Dev Arora, CEO of Alt Mobility.

As Karnataka lays the groundwork for clean mobility, the onus now lies on collaborative industry efforts and policy clarity to realize its transformative vision.

(KNN Bureau)