Electric mobility has emerged as a central strategy for decarbonising the transport sector, especially in emerging economies like India. While national-level initiatives such as FAME provide policy momentum, subnational governments play a critical role in implementing Electric Vehicle (EV) transitions. This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of Karnataka’s EV policy mix using the Policy Mix Framework, focusing on four characteristics: consistency, coherence, comprehensiveness, and credibility. Through a qualitative content analysis of 18 key policy documents and 40 state- and municipal-level instruments issued between 2017 and 2025, the study maps interactions and misalignments across manufacturing incentives, infrastructure support, and consumer-facing measures.
Findings reveal moderate consistency, with some reinforcing interactions, such as those between subsidies and concessional tariffs, alongside contradictions in areas like metering standards and tax exemptions. Coherence is hindered by institutional fragmentation, particularly between state and municipal actors. Comprehensiveness is stronger on the supply side (manufacturing and infrastructure) but lacks equitable support for low-income users and rural areas. Due to the document-based methodology, credibility was not assessed.
This study contributes to the literature on sustainability transitions and multi-level governance by applying the Policy Mix Framework to a developing country context. It offers evaluations of a subnational EV ecosystem in India. The findings underscore that effective EV transitions require not only well-designed instruments but also strong coordination and inclusive implementation. Recommendations include creating a dedicated EV task force, expanding digital infrastructure, and introducing inclusive business models. The results provide insights for other Indian states and federal systems aiming to scale sustainable mobility.