Odisha sees surge in electric vehicle registrations; what is driving sales- pollution awareness or subsidy?

Odisha is witnessing a steady rise in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with over 2.19 lakh EVs registered in the state so far. The state government has provided more than Rs 340 crore in subsidies to support EV buyers, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena informed the Assembly recently in response to a query by legislator Padmalochan Panda.

According to the minister, 2,19,667 EVs are currently active on the roads, while an additional 680 EVs are registered under various government departments. Jena clarified that subsidies are provided based on vehicle categories, but data on incentives given to government employees is not maintained.

The Minister also highlighted that Bhubaneswar currently has 12 operational EV charging stations. He added that steps are being taken to finalise and implement a new EV policy, which is expected to further boost adoption.

EV GROWTH STORY

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.

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.

What Is The Driving Factor? Is It The EV Policy? 

It is pertinent to mention here that Odisha first launched its exclusive EV policy in 2020-21, which was later revised in 2022-23 to enhance incentives. 

The newly formalised Odisha EV Policy 2.0 aims to achieve 50% EV registrations by 2036. Additionally, the government plans to convert all police vans and ambulances to electric vehicles to accelerate sustainable mobility across the state.

What Experts Say? 

Experts attribute the surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales to several key factors linked to rising environmental awareness.

According to industry analysts, consumers today are increasingly conscious of air pollution, climate change, and the long-term impact of fossil fuel dependence. This shift in mindset is pushing many toward cleaner mobility options. 

Experts also note a cultural shift; people now view eco-friendly choices as part of responsible citizenship. Whether through cutting carbon emissions or reducing dependency on fossil fuels, consumers increasingly want their lifestyle choices to reflect environmental responsibility.