Sustainable Mobility Gains Momentum Across Indian States, Says IESA

Environmentally sustainable mobility is rapidly shifting from ambition to reality in India, driven by a convergence of government policies, industry initiatives, and consumer awareness, according to a recent report by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA).

In its Automotive Electrification in India Market Report , IESA highlighted that India, the world’s fourth-largest automobile producer, is poised to become a global leader across the automotive value chain. The country is witnessing a significant transformation, with electrification and sustainable mobility redefining not only vehicle powertrains but the entire automotive ecosystem.

“While petrol and diesel powertrains continue to dominate, the increasing prevalence of sustainable mobility fuels, driven by enabling policies and growing awareness, underscores a growing consensus among OEMs, governments, and consumers that environmentally sustainable mobility is no longer a distant goal, but a rapidly emerging reality,” the report stated.

States are playing a critical role in this transition, actively promoting local EV manufacturing, investing in charging infrastructure, and developing dedicated mobility clusters. IESA emphasized that a coordinated policy approach at both central and state levels is crucial to facilitate greater adoption of electric vehicles.

The report also underlined that India’s transition is unique due to its multi-fuel, multi-path approach . While e-mobility is a central focus, significant traction is observed in alternative technologies such as compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid, flex-fuel, and hydrogen-powered vehicles each tailored to specific use cases.

Comparing the 2025 report to previous years, IESA noted a marked acceleration in EV adoption and infrastructure development. While earlier reports highlighted gradual policy rollout and nascent market awareness, the current trends show significant market consolidation, stronger state-level initiatives, and a clear shift toward multi-fuel adoption. This year’s report underscores that sustainable mobility is moving beyond pilot projects into large-scale commercialization, with greater regional variations and more robust manufacturing ecosystems than ever before.

IESA President Debmalya Sen noted, “Enabling policy plays a crucial role in navigating the shift towards environmentally friendly mobility and influencing consumer awareness and demand. Interestingly, while the overall adoption story is clearly defined, regional trends at the state level are highly uneven. States like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu dominate electric vehicle sales, accounting for over half of national volumes.”

This uneven adoption highlights that some regions are advancing directly to Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) adoption through proactive EV policies and robust infrastructure, while other states are following a phased approach, using alternative fuel vehicles to bridge the gap. This multi-adoption strategy reflects the varied market maturity, readiness, and local priorities across the country.

Looking forward, IESA stressed the importance of a balanced policy approach that combines demand- and supply-side interventions, ensuring a level playing field for all environmentally friendly technologies. Technology neutrality remains key to supporting India’s Net Zero goals, encouraging the adoption of diverse solutions aligned with the nation’s decarbonization objectives.

IESA, a premier industry body promoting energy storage, e-mobility, and green hydrogen adoption, works closely with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and research institutions to accelerate market development through policy advocacy, business networking, and thought leadership.