EV numbers surge, but insufficient charging stations slow Odisha’s clean mobility push!

The Odisha government has announced that 100 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be developed across the state in the first phase. The plan was first disclosed in the Assembly in February this year, with Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena stating that work on the installations had already begun.

However, during the ongoing Winter Session, the Minister updated the House that only 12 charging stations are currently operational in Bhubaneswar, highlighting a slow rollout compared to the initial target of 21 stations for the capital city.

Where the Charging Stations Will Be Set Up

As per the earlier Assembly briefing, the state plans to distribute the 100 charging stations across key locations:

• 21 in Bhubaneswar
• 38 inside various Regional Transport Offices (RTOs)
• 23 in truck terminals
• 18 in other strategic locations across Odisha

To execute this plan, the government has finalised a private firm through a tendering process for installation and operational support. Work is underway, but progress remains uneven.

EV Owners Allege Slow Implementation

Out of the proposed 21 stations for Bhubaneswar, only 12 are functional while there is limited clarity on the progress in RTOs, truck terminals, and other parts of the state.

EV owners say this slow pace is discouraging many prospective buyers and undermining the state’s push toward clean mobility. The absence of a reliable and wide charging network continues to be a major gap.

Problems Faced by EV Owners in Odisha

1. Range Anxiety and Limited Charging Options: EV users frequently report anxiety during inter-city travel due to the lack of assured charging points. Many districts have zero functional stations, making long-distance journeys nearly impossible.

2. Long Queues at Limited Stations: With very few stations operating—especially in Bhubaneswar—EV owners face long waits during peak hours. Many commuters say the queues nullify the convenience and cost-effectiveness of using an EV.

3. Poor Visibility and Signage: Many stations lack proper directions, signage, or discoverability on EV apps, creating additional uncertainty for drivers seeking a charging point.

“One of the biggest problems for EV owners is the lack of adequate charging stations. In many areas, public chargers are either too few, poorly maintained, or non-functional. Even when stations are available, long queues and slow charging times make it difficult to plan daily travel or emergencies,” said Gaurav Das, an EV owner.

Echoing the same, Patitapabana Panda, who used an electric scooter, said “Range anxiety is a constant concern, especially during long-distance travel. Battery performance can vary due to load, weather, and driving conditions, forcing drivers to repeatedly monitor charge levels and rethink routes to avoid being stranded.”

“Driving an EV in heavy traffic presents its own challenges. Frequent stop-and-go movement, prolonged use of air-conditioning, and unexpected traffic jams can drain the battery faster, increasing stress when charging options nearby are limited,” said another EV user.

Government’s Push for Clean Mobility Continues

Despite the challenges, the state government reiterates its commitment to expanding EV infrastructure. The rollout of 100 charging stations is intended to accelerate EV adoption and support the state's broader climate goals.

For now, however, EV users are hoping that the government will speed up installation, improve maintenance, and ensure that the promised infrastructure becomes reliably accessible across the state.

EV Registration On The Rise

As per the latest available data, 2,19,667 EVs are currently active on the roads, while an additional 680 EVs are registered under various government departments.

Electric vehicle (EV) registrations in Odisha have recorded strong year-on-year growth across segments, official data shows. 

Two-wheeler EV registrations rose from 17,824 in 2022–23 to 38,565 in 2023–24, and further to 55,536 in 2024–25. By November 2025 alone, 43,256 two-wheelers had already been registered, indicating sustained demand.

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The four-wheeler segment has witnessed a similar upward trend. Registrations increased from 386 in 2022–23 to 1,470 in 2023–24, before jumping to 2,742 in 2024–25. Till November this year, 2,999 four-wheelers have already been registered.

Between April and November 2025, the state government disbursed subsidies amounting to Rs 56.39 crore for two-wheelers, Rs 10.24 crore for three-wheelers, and Rs 35.23 crore for four-wheelers under its EV promotion scheme.