Odisha Witnesses Rapid Growth in Electric Vehicle Adoption

Bhubaneswar: The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Odisha has been on a steady rise, with 1,61,338 EVs currently plying on the state’s roads, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena informed the State Assembly on Thursday. EVs now constitute 1.35% of the total vehicles operating in the state.

While responding to a question from MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo, the Transport Minister stated that Odisha’s EV registration growth rate aligns with the national average. The state has witnessed a remarkable surge in EV registrations, reflecting a growing shift towards sustainable mobility. In 2021, 5,626 EVs were registered, and by 2022, registrations increased by 405.63%, reaching 28,447.

The trend continued with 44,545 new EVs registered in 2023 and 65,977 in 2024, marking a consistent upward trajectory. In 2025, 10,423 EVs have already been registered as of March 12.

The data further reveals Khordha district as the leading hub for EV adoption, with 45,195 EV registrations since 2021. Other districts with significant EV adoption include Cuttack (19,986), Balasore (10,174), Puri (11,287), and Sundargarh (10,290). In contrast, Phulbani recorded the lowest number of EV registrations in the state during this period.

As part of its commitment to promoting electric mobility, the Odisha government has provided subsidies worth ₹232.45 crore to EV buyers under the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy 2021 from 2021 to March 5, 2025. The policy offers financial incentives based on vehicle type, covering two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers.

Additionally, state government employees can avail of interest-free loans for purchasing EVs, further encouraging the transition to cleaner transportation. The government is also offering exemptions on road tax and registration fees for electric buses, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable urban mobility.

Odisha’s push for electric vehicles highlights its broader vision for a greener and more energy-efficient future, aligning with national efforts to reduce carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.