Did you know? Nitish Kumar drives a Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric SUV

Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who spearheaded the NDA’s thumping victory in the Assembly elections on Friday, has also drawn praise in recent years for his preference for electric mobility.

In 2024, he switched to a Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric SUV, which he has since been using as his official vehicle.

Nitish has been frequently seen travelling in the non-bulletproof EV, valued at around ₹50 lakh, for his movements within Patna.

On Monday, Nitish Kumar arrived at Raj Bhavan, Patna, in the same Hyundai Ioniq 5, ahead of tendering his resignation as the NDA prepares to form the next government.

For travel outside the state capital, the Chief Minister continues to use a bulletproof Tata Safari, according to media reports.

Nitish’s shift to an electric vehicle has been widely interpreted as a symbolic push toward cleaner mobility in Bihar.

The Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, held in two phases on November 6 and 11, concluded with counting on November 14. The results delivered a sweeping victory for the NDA, which secured 202 seats — a three-fourths majority in the 243-member House. This is the alliance’s second time crossing the 200-seat mark, after winning 206 seats in 2010.

The Mahagathbandhan managed only 35 seats, with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) winning 25, Congress 6, CPI(ML)(L) two, the Indian Inclusive Party (IIP) one, and CPM one.

Among other parties, AIMIM bagged five seats, while the BSP secured one.