Karnataka to set up plug-and-play facility for EV firms near Bengaluru

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Karnataka cabinet on July 2 approved the development of a plug-and-play facility for electric vehicle (EV) firms at Harohalli in Ramanagara district, about 40 km from Bengaluru.

The cabinet granted administrative approval for the construction of infrastructure worth Rs 25 crore through the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB).

The facility will cater to the manufacturing and assembly of EV components, battery pack assembly, and the creation of charging infrastructure.

Also, read: 'Shocking that Karnataka lost out to Tamil Nadu in landing investments from Ather, Ola'

The plug-and-play infrastructure will be maintained by KIADB in Phase 5 of the Harohalli industrial area. Karnataka Clean Mobility Policy 2025-2030 has identified three clean mobility clusters: Gauribidanur in Chikkaballapur (825 acres, 70 km from Bengaluru), Chikkamalligewada in Dharwad (1,000 acres, 30 km from Hubballi airport), and Harohalli in Ramanagara (700 acres, 40 km from Bengaluru).

"Some small EV units, assembly manufacturers, and testing labs in the EV cluster are not in a position to invest in land and buildings. Therefore, plug-and-play facilities will make it easier for such units to set up operations in the EV cluster," said an official from the Department of Commerce and Industries.

The decision comes at a time when Karnataka is facing stiff competition from neighbouring states, with firms like Ola and Ather setting up their manufacturing units in Tamil Nadu.

Also, read: Karnataka Clean Mobility Policy 2025-2030 targets Rs 50,000 crore investments, 1 lakh jobs