Uttar Pradesh ranks third in India for EV charging infrastructure

Uttar Pradesh has achieved third place in India for public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The state has seen a significant rise in electric mobility, with 17.67 lakh electric vehicles currently registered. This shift is aimed at reducing dependence on petrol and diesel while promoting clean energy in urban transport sectors, including e-rickshaws and electric two- and four-wheelers.

In Kanpur, the rollout of the PM e-Drive scheme has seen 12 approved charging sites in Kanpur Nagar, though Kanpur Dehat has only two. Despite the state-level progress, local challenges remain. EV users and e-rickshaw drivers report that public charging facilities are still limited, often necessitating reliance on home or informal charging.

Environmental studies by IIT Kanpur indicate that vehicles contribute approximately 20% of PM2.5 emissions and 85% of nitrogen oxide emissions in Kanpur. While the transition to electric vehicles offers fuel savings for small business owners, the rapid growth of electric three-wheelers has also raised livelihood concerns among traditional shared-auto operators.