Priyank Kharge asks EV companies to shape Karnataka's growth roadmap

Building an electric vehicle ecosystem takes more than putting new vehicles on the road.

It also requires battery research, specialised engineering talent, testing facilities and a manufacturing base that can support the industry as it grows.

As Karnataka looks to strengthen its position in the EV sector, Minister for Home, Electronics, Information Technology and Biotechnology, and E-Governance Priyank Kharge has asked industry players to help shape a roadmap for the state's electric mobility ecosystem.

Ahead of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026, Kharge held a roundtable with companies and stakeholders from Karnataka's EV industry to understand their priorities, identify areas for collaboration and discuss ways to accelerate the sector's growth.

The meeting brought together representatives from Exponent Energy, Ultraviolette, Simple Energy, Sun Mobility, Moonrider and Multiplex EV, alongside other manufacturers, technology companies, battery and energy solutions providers and startups.

Building the infrastructure behind electric mobility

The discussions covered several areas that could strengthen Karnataka's EV ecosystem, including industry-led research and development, advanced testing and certification facilities, specialised skilling programmes, incubation support and manufacturing infrastructure.

Priyank Kharge emphasised that government support should be shaped by the actual requirements of companies operating across the EV value chain.

“The government is committed to supporting the growth of the EV sector in Karnataka. However, our interventions must be guided by what the industry actually needs,” he said.

He urged companies to come together, identify common priorities and submit a consolidated roadmap to the government. This would help determine which infrastructure and support measures need to be taken forward.

Industry to play a role in training EV talent

Talent development emerged as another key area during the interaction. As the EV industry expands, companies need specialised professionals across battery technology, embedded systems, firmware, power electronics, vehicle diagnostics, manufacturing and after-sales services.

To address this demand, Kharge proposed an industry-backed skilling model in which companies would help design training curricula, certify candidates and provide employment opportunities.

The approach would bring employers closer to the training process, helping align the skills being taught with the requirements of the industry.

Strengthening local manufacturing capabilities

The minister also encouraged companies to explore existing policy incentives available in Karnataka for manufacturing and engineering research and development.

The discussions included opportunities to strengthen local manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on imports.

With the EV industry spanning vehicle production, battery systems, electronics, software and energy infrastructure, Karnataka is looking to bring these capabilities together to support innovation and manufacturing within the state.

The roundtable forms part of the state's engagement with industry ahead of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026, with the proposed roadmap expected to help identify priorities for the next phase of EV ecosystem development.