Bhubaneswar reports 50% rise in sales of EV cars, 39% in scooters in first six months of 2025

Apart from the govt, private entities such as malls and private offices are offering free EV charging stations in urban areas.

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Demand and sale of electric vehicles are witnessing a significant surge in the state amid growing concern for environment and rapid improvement in EV infrastructure, according to data and experts.

Vehicle registration data from regional transport offices (RTOs) revealed that two-wheeler EV sales saw a 39 per cent growth in the first half of this year compared to the corresponding period last year, while four-wheeler sales saw an over 50 per cent rise.

In the first quarter of 2025 (January to March), as many as 14,233 two-wheeler EVs were registered with the RTOs. In the second quarter (April to June), EV registrations went up to 16,152, taking the total number to 32,887.From Jan to June last year, 27,388 two-wheeler EVs were registered with the RTOs. Places where EVs are in high demand are Bhubaneswar, followed by Cuttack, Balasore and Ganjam.Experts attributed the rise in sales of EVs to growing awareness among the people and the likelihood of more savings with such vehicles. “Govt support by offering subsidies is also aiding the growth,” urban planner Piyush Ranjan Rout said.

In terms of companies, Bajaj Motors sold the highest number of two-wheeler EVs this year, followed by TVS, OLA, Hero and Ather. In 2024, Ola topped the sales, followed by TVS, Bajaj, Hero and Ather.

“Earlier, I was spending a lot on fuel for my motorbike, but EVs are a real saviour and really comfortable. There are more options among EVs than a normal motorbike,” Himansu Mohapatra, an EV user, said.

Four-wheeler EV registrations also witnessed impressive growth in the state. As per data, in the first half of 2025, 2,478 EV cars were sold compared to 1,169 during the corresponding period last year.

In car registrations, Bhubaneswar again topped, followed by Cuttack, Sambalpur and Balasore. Tata Motors sold more EVs this year, followed by MG, Toyota, Mahindra and Maruti Suzuki.

“Earlier, the EV cars were not so powerful, but now on a single charge, we can ride up to 200-300 km on average. Car makers are realising the same and coming up with more powerful EVs, which is welcoming,” Gitanjali Sahoo, another user, said.

Improvement in infrastructure, primarily charging stations at public places, has also become a game-changer for rapid EV adoption. Apart from the govt, private entities such as malls and private offices are offering free EV charging stations in urban areas.

“Earlier, there was fear about charging vehicles. What happens if I get stuck in the middle of nowhere? But now things are changing. I recently faced such a situation, but I was saved because I found an EV charging point in the mall I visited,” Mili Satpathy, another user, said.