Registrations of electric two-wheelers in India jumped from 29,112 units in 2020 to over 11.42 lakh units in 2024, before easing slightly to 10.91 lakh units till 27 November 2025, according to data tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Electric four-wheeler registrations rose from 4,216 in 2020 to nearly 1.56 lakh units in 2025 so far, the report added.
The data was presented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in response to a starred question on the growth, safety and regulation of electric vehicles in Parliament.
Two-wheelers drive bulk of EV growth
Electric two-wheelers continue to dominate India’s EV fleet. Registrations climbed sharply after 2021, rising from 1.56 lakh units in 2021 to 6.31 lakh units in 2022 and 8.58 lakh units in 2023, before crossing 11.42 lakh units in 2024. Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh emerged as the largest contributors to two-wheeler EV registrations during this period, the report said.
Four-wheeler EV adoption gathers momentum
According to the report, electric four-wheelers, including light motor vehicles and passenger vehicles, also showed strong growth. The registration has touched 1 lakh units in 2024 as compared to 13,032 units in 2021. So far in 2025, registrations have already crossed 1.55 lakh units.
Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh accounted for a large share of these registrations, reflecting the growing acceptance of electric cars in urban markets.
Govt tightens battery safety standards after EV fire incidents
The report further mentioned that it has amended the key Automotive Industry Standards to strengthen safety requirements for EVs following reports of accidents. Electric vehicle prototypes and components are now tested for overcharge and over-discharge protection, short-circuit protection, among others. As per the report, these tests are conducted by agencies that are notified under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
National charging network gets policy push
To meet the needs of the expanding electric vehicle fleet, the Ministry of Power in September 2024 issued new rules for setting up and running EV charging stations and battery swapping points, with the aim of creating a unified, interoperable charging network across the country.
In addition, the National Highways Authority of India is building wayside facilities every 40–60 km on highways and expressways, where EV charging will be compulsory at locations larger than one hectare. Of the 513 wayside amenity sites awarded, 110 are operational, and EV charging stations have been commissioned at 64 of these locations.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has allocated Rs 2,000 crore under the PM E-DRIVE scheme for nationwide installation of EV charging stations.
In addition, Rs 873.5 crore has been sanctioned to public sector oil marketing companies under the FAME II scheme for setting up 8,932 charging stations. As of 1 November 2025, all 8,932 stations have been installed, though 3,261 have been energised.
Oil marketing companies have also installed 18,544 additional EV charging stations at their retail outlets using their own funds.
Regulatory relief to boost EV adoption
The report further added that the government has exempted battery-operated transport vehicles from permit requirements and has also waived the registration and permit fees. Furthermore, all India tourist permits for battery-operated vehicles have also been issued without any permit fee.
The government has also notified standards for retrofitting electric and hybrid kits and introduced a distinct green registration mark for battery-operated vehicles.