The Karnataka government is moving ahead with plans to establish dedicated electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hubs near Bengaluru as part of its ambitious Clean Mobility Policy 2025–2030, according to The Hindu Business Line. The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s position as one of India’s leading centres for electric mobility and advanced automotive manufacturing.
Under the new policy framework, the state has identified three strategic locations that will be developed as clean mobility clusters. These hubs are expected to support EV manufacturing, component production, battery assembly and research activities, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the sector.
Harohalli to Anchor Karnataka’s EV Push
The primary cluster will be developed at Harohalli in Ramanagara district, around 40 kilometres from Bengaluru. Spread across nearly 700 acres, this site is set to become the flagship clean mobility hub under the policy.
Harohalli already has a strong industrial presence and proximity to Bengaluru’s technology and startup ecosystem, making it an ideal location for EV manufacturers and suppliers. The government plans to leverage this advantage to attract both domestic and global players.
Once operational, the Harohalli cluster is expected to house vehicle assembly plants, battery manufacturing units, testing facilities and shared infrastructure for startups and tier-1 suppliers.
Two More Clusters in North and Central Karnataka
In addition to Harohalli, two more clusters have been earmarked to ensure balanced regional development.
One cluster will come up at Chikkamalligewada in Dharwad district, spread over about 1,000 acres and located nearly 30 kilometres from Hubballi airport. This region is expected to serve as a major EV manufacturing and logistics hub for northern Karnataka.
Another cluster has been identified at Gauribidanur in Chikkaballapur district, covering around 825 acres and situated about 70 kilometres from Bengaluru. This site will cater to manufacturers seeking large land parcels with good connectivity to the state capital and major highways.
Together, these three hubs will form the backbone of Karnataka’s clean mobility infrastructure.
Boosting Investment and Employment
The Clean Mobility Policy 2025–2030 aims to attract significant investments into the EV and green mobility sector. By creating dedicated industrial zones with ready infrastructure, the state hopes to reduce entry barriers for manufacturers and accelerate project implementation.
Officials believe the clusters will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, engineering, logistics and research functions. The policy also focuses on skill development programmes to prepare the local workforce for next-generation automotive technologies.
Integrated EV Ecosystem
Each clean mobility cluster is expected to offer integrated facilities, including:
- EV and battery manufacturing plants
- Component and power electronics units
- R&D and testing centres
- Charging and energy storage infrastructure
- Common utilities and logistics parks
This plug-and-play model is designed to support both large OEMs and smaller suppliers, encouraging collaboration and innovation within the ecosystem.
Strengthening Karnataka’s EV Leadership
Karnataka has already emerged as a leading state in India’s electric mobility transition, with Bengaluru hosting several EV startups, battery firms and technology companies. The new clusters are expected to further consolidate this leadership position.
The policy also aligns with the state’s broader sustainability goals, including reducing vehicular emissions, promoting renewable energy use and supporting climate-friendly transportation solutions.
Aligning with National EV Goals
The initiative complements the central government’s push for electric mobility under schemes such as FAME and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) programmes. By offering land, infrastructure and policy support, Karnataka aims to become a preferred destination for companies participating in these schemes.
Industry experts believe that dedicated EV hubs will play a crucial role in scaling up domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on imports.
Road Ahead
With land parcels identified and policy frameworks in place, the Karnataka government is expected to begin inviting investor proposals and project applications in the coming months. Detailed guidelines on incentives, land allotment and infrastructure development are likely to be announced soon.
As India’s EV market continues to expand, Karnataka’s multi-cluster approach under the Clean Mobility Policy 2025–2030 could set a benchmark for other states, reinforcing its role as a key driver of the country’s clean mobility revolution.
