Chandigarh: India’s Electric Vehicle Champion?
A new NITI Aayog report positions Chandigarh at the forefront of India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution, surpassing even major metropolitan areas in adoption, infrastructure development, and innovative solutions. While Delhi and Maharashtra also feature prominently, the report highlights Chandigarh’s remarkable progress.
However, the report also reveals a paradox. Despite leading in overall EV performance, Chandigarh’s EV growth rate lags considering its high per capita vehicle density. Over 20,000 electric vehicles are currently registered in the city.
The disparity between Chandigarh’s advanced EV infrastructure and its relatively slower adoption rate presents a crucial area of study for policymakers nationwide. Understanding the factors hindering faster growth, even in a seemingly progressive environment, is key to accelerating India’s broader EV transition.
This report’s findings have significant implications for urban planning and policy across the country. Replicating Chandigarh’s successes while addressing its challenges could unlock the full potential of the EV market and contribute to India’s climate goals. The focus now shifts to identifying and implementing strategies to bridge the gap between potential and actual EV adoption.
