Kerala is experiencing a visible transition to electric vehicles (EVs) on its roads, with electric scooters, cars, and three-wheelers becoming more common. In 2025, EVs constituted 12.1% of new vehicle registrations, a 28.5% increase from the previous year.
However, the state is registering new vehicles at a pace that dilutes environmental benefits. In 2025, 878,863 new vehicles were registered, exceeding previous years. Experts caution that electrification alone will not solve congestion or pollution without a broader shift to public transport and renewable charging infrastructure.
While EVs eliminate tailpipe emissions, they do not address non-exhaust pollution like tire and brake wear, nor do they reduce congestion caused by vehicle numbers. The primary environmental gains are expected from electrifying high-use vehicles like buses, provided public transport becomes a more attractive alternative to private vehicles.
Source: Down To Earth