Electric Vehicle Adoption and Its Impact on Karnataka's Electricity Distribution Infrastructure: Challenges and Policy Responses

Abstract

The rapid proliferation of electric vehicles (EVs) across India's urban landscapes has emerged as a transformative force in the transportation sector, yet it simultaneously poses unprecedented challenges to existing electricity distribution networks. This research paper critically examines the multifaceted implications of escalating EV adoption on Karnataka's electricity distribution infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) jurisdiction. The study investigates how unregulated EV charging loads contribute to transformer overloading, voltage instability, harmonic distortions, and peak demand amplification across low-tension and high-tension distribution feeders. Drawing upon empirical load flow analysis data from twelve representative feeders in Bengaluru, the paper demonstrates that incremental EV charging loads of 44 kW to 344 kW can escalate power losses by up to 58 percent and increase under-voltage sections by nearly 26 percent. Furthermore, the research evaluates Karnataka's Clean Mobility Policy 2025-30 and PM E-DRIVE scheme, assessing their efficacy in addressing infrastructure bottlenecks. The findings reveal significant policy gaps in rural electrification preparedness, smart grid integration, and demand-side management protocols. This paper proposes a comprehensive policy framework emphasizing smart charging architectures, distributed solar-rooftop photovoltaic integration, and regulatory mandates for distribution utility upgrades to ensure sustainable EV-grid coexistence.