10 February 2026
Karnataka is setting the stage to redefine India’s electric mobility landscape by planning a first-of-its-kind Electric Vehicle (EV) city close to Bengaluru. This move that could transform the region into a powerhouse of EV innovation, testing, and industry collaboration.
The state government has identified roughly 80–100 acres of land within around a two-hour radius of Bengaluru, with potential sites in Tumakuru, Ramanagara, and Chikkaballapur under consideration. This dedicated EV city is envisioned as a comprehensive ecosystem for the electric mobility sector, spanning advanced testing tracks, research and development labs, validation facilities, certification centers, manufacturing support spaces, and charging infrastructure.
A global-ready hub for EV innovation
What makes this project especially unique is its ambition to serve the entire EV value chain under one umbrella. From early-stage startups to established vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers, the EV city aims to offer plug-and-play infrastructure that supports every phase of product development — from design and prototyping to rigorous performance testing and official certification.
Industry stakeholders have already been brought into the planning fold. A high-level consultation chaired by Karnataka’s IT-BT (Information Technology and Biotechnology) department saw participation from more than 30 companies spanning EV makers, battery technology firms, mobility start-ups, and component suppliers. Their input will help shape facilities aimed at reducing testing turnaround times and lowering costs, a current challenge for many EV developers who often need to travel out of state to access such capabilities.
Built for all sizes — from start-ups to giants
The EV city is being designed with inclusivity in mind:
- Startups will get access to foundational infrastructure such as open testing tracks and shared workshop space.
- Mid-sized companies can leverage advanced R&D resources and specialized labs.
- Large OEMs and established suppliers will benefit from long-term certification and validation capabilities that meet global standards.
The idea is to create a collaborative environment, where innovation thrives and smaller players are not crowded out by giants, giving the entire EV ecosystem in India a chance to flourish in a single hub.
Location and strategic advantages
With sites shortlisted near Bengaluru — India’s thriving EV capital — the EV city is strategically positioned to tap into the state’s deep pool of technology talent, research institutions, mobility startups, and charging infrastructure networks. Bengaluru and Karnataka at large already account for a significant portion of India’s EV activity, including a high volume of EV startups, component makers, and public charging stations.
By localizing testing, validation, and prototype certification facilities, the EV city is expected to drastically reduce logistics costs and development timelines for companies that currently rely on distant testing centers in other states. This, in turn, could accelerate time-to-market for new models and technologies, a critical advantage in the highly competitive EV industry.
Skills, jobs, and ecosystem growth
Beyond physical infrastructure, the plan also includes a Centre of Excellence for EVs and battery technology as well as a skilling and talent academy designed to support job creation and workforce development. These institutions are intended to prepare engineers, technicians, and software specialists for the demands of next-generation electric mobility, a sector that increasingly relies on deep technical skills in areas like battery management systems, software validation, embedded diagnostics, and safety testing.
Positioning Karnataka as India’s EV hub
For Karnataka, the EV city initiative represents more than a development project — it is a bold statement of intent. By bringing together industry, government, and academia into a unified physical and operational ecosystem, the state is positioning itself not just as a leader in EV adoption, but as a centre for industry-wide innovation and manufacturing excellence in the electric mobility era.
With electric vehicles fast shifting from niche to mainstream, this dedicated EV city could become a cornerstone of India’s EV ambitions, attracting global investors, supporting home-grown innovators, and strengthening the nation’s long-term competitiveness in a sector that’s shaping the future of transportation.
