Niti Aayog Ranks Assam Among Lowest on EV Readiness, Flags Weak Charging Network

Guwahati: Assam’s performance in developing its e-mobility ecosystem has slipped in 2024, with the state ranked 27th among 36 states and Union Territories in Niti Aayog’s India Electric Mobility Index 2024. The report points to poor private EV adoption, inadequate charging infrastructure, and limited research initiatives as major roadblocks.

While Assam leads the country in commercial EV adoption, its private EV adoption rate is among the weakest, scoring just 11 out of 100 and ranking 29th. Private EV adoption measures the share of electric vehicles among all private vehicle registrations, reflecting consumer confidence, awareness, and the effectiveness of incentives.

Charging infrastructure remains a critical gap, with Assam placed at the bottom of the list  scoring 5 out of 100 compared to Haryana’s top score of 83. The report cites a lack of state-led policies and incentives to build charging networks and integrate renewable energy sources.

In ‘Transport Electrification’ progress, Assam scored 49, placing 9th, driven largely by government-backed waivers on road tax and registration fees for EVs. Over 85% of three-wheelers registered in the state in 2024 are electric, and initiatives such as the app-based, fully electric bike taxi service Baayu mark notable achievements. However, in EV Research and Innovation Status, the state ranked low at 29th.

The report recommends targeted measures including a dedicated state EV awareness portal, scrapping incentives, low-emission zones, permit exemptions for commercial EVs, a nodal agency for charging infrastructure, concessional land rates for charging stations, and inclusion of EV charging provisions in building bylaws.

With over 310 million vehicles registered in India in the last 15 years, the transport sector accounts for 12% of the country’s energy-related CO₂ emissions  92% of which come from road transport. It also contributes 20–30% of urban air pollution in Indian cities, underscoring the urgency for rapid EV adoption.