Powering Up: The Evolution of EV Charging Infrastructure in India

Introduction

The days of internal combustion engines are fading away, getting replaced by electric motors as the world embraces a cleaner, greener transportation future. This global electric vehicle (EV) revolution is rising, with sales exceeding 6.6 million in 2022 alone, according to JMK Research & Analytics. India, too, is a part of this rise, witnessing a staggering 361% year-on-year growth in EV sales, reaching over 1.3 million units in 2023, as reported by Mercom India. However, for this revolution to flourish, it needs a strong foundation- a robust and accessible EV charging infrastructure.

Imagine riding effortlessly in your brand new EV and having fun as a cool breeze flows through your hair, only to be met with the dreaded “range anxiety” due to the scarcity of charging options. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many people in India who aspire to own an EV. While the country has over 2.8 million registered EVs, the available charging stations are very scarce, with a ratio of one charger per 172 EVs, according to JMK Research & Analytics. This uneven distribution and limited accessibility have given rise to a significant challenge to EV adoption, potentially slowing down India’s ambition for electric mobility.

However, the landscape is transforming rapidly despite the hurdles. The Indian government is actively driving the change, launching initiatives like FAME- II that offer subsidies and grants for setting up charging stations. Additionally, private players are also making significant investments, bringing innovative solutions like mobile charging units. Public awareness is also growing stronger as more and more Indians are recognizing the environmental and economic benefits of EVs.

This blog delves deep into the current state of EV charging infrastructure in India, exploring its present landscape, government initiatives, challenges and solutions, and future potential. Let’s get ready to “power up” India’s EV revolution and welcome a cleaner, greener future.

The Present Landscape

India’s EV charging infrastructure is filled with contrasts. One aspect of it is that it boasts a diverse arrangement of charger types- slow, fast and rapid- catering to different needs and budgets. The other aspect is that its distribution remains uneven. While the small towns and rural areas are struggling with charging scarcity, the major cities enjoy comfort. Understanding this landscape becomes important for people considering EVs.

Charger Choices:

• Slow Chargers (AC Level 1): These are the most common chargers, often found at homes and workplaces. They use a standard !5A socket and deliver 2.4 kW. They are affordable and convenient but they can take hours to fully charge an EV, making them suitable for overnight charging only.

• Fast Chargers (AC Level 2): These offer faster charging (7.4 kW - 22kW) than Level 1 through dedicated AC outlets. They are often found in public parking lots, malls and on highways, offering a convenient option for longer commutes.

• Rapid Chargers (DC Level 3): These are the speed monsters, they deliver high-power DC current (50 kW - 350 kW) directly to the battery. They are primarily found at dedicated charging stations along major highways and urban centers; they can charge an EV in minutes, making them perfect for long journeys or quick recharges.

However, the distribution of these chargers is where the actual concern lies. According to Statista (2023), India has over 16,456 public charging stations, where mostly slower AC chargers are available. Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore enjoy a decent network whereas small towns and rural areas remain largely underserved. This uneven distribution creates a significant “charging desert” for EV owners outside urban areas.

Players in the Game: Public and Private Efforts?

The Indian government is actively making efforts through initiatives like FAME-II, which offers subsidies and grants for setting up charging stations. Public players like Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and state utilities have taken the lead by installing thousands of charging stations across the country.

However, the role being played by the private sector is the most crucial in expanding the network. Leading players like Tata Power, Fortum and Mahindra Electric Mobility are investing heavily in setting up charging stations in strategic locations and offering innovative solutions like mobile charging units.?

Additionally, there are startups like ChargeGrid and PlugShare that are developing charging infrastructure platforms and apps, to make it easier for EV owners to find and use EV stations.

Other players like Volttic EV Charging, Magenta Power, EVI Technologies, eCgargeBays, ION Energy, Log9, NTPC, Rajasthan Electronics, Ola Electric, EESL, ACME Group, Ather Energy, Micelio and Lithium Urban Technologies are contributing in their way to improve battery technology.

Volttic, based in Noida is one great example as it’s actively participating in installing charging stations on-premise for corporates such as Infosys, McKinsey, HP Computing, JP Morgan and more. Volttic works closely with companies like Tata Motors and Mahindra Electric for charging solutions. By 2025, it plans to reach 600 plus charging stations across India.?

Magenta Power, based in Mumbai is a provider of clean energy generation, adoption and utilization.

Government Initiatives and Policies:

India’s EV revolution needs a robust charging infrastructure to truly flourish. The government of India has recognized this major gap and has stepped in with a series of policies and initiatives, aiming to electrify the nation’s mobility landscape.

Key Government Schemes:

The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme serves as the foundation of India’s EV push. FAME-II, launched in April 2019, allocated a budget of Rupees 10,000 crore as per NITI Aayog. It offers a range of incentives to promote EV adoption as well as charging infrastructure development:

• Demand incentives: These are direct subsidies for EV purchases, which have helped reduce upfront costs and attract more buyers, ranging from rupees? 10,000 to rupees 10 lakhs depending on vehicle category (Ministry of Heavy Industries, 2023)

• Supply-side incentives: Some grants and subsidies are being provided for setting up public charging stations with up to 40% of the capital cost covered, encouraging private players and public utilities to enter the market. (Ministry of Power, 2022)

• Land acquisition support: The major hurdle for infrastructure development is acquiring suitable land for charging stations, there is assistance provided in identifying and acquiring suitable land for charging stations.?

Additional Initiatives:

• Plug and Play Policy (2018): To ease the regulatory hurdles, the approval process for setting up charging stations has been streamlined under this policy.

• Revised Charging Infrastructure Guidelines (2022): To promote interoperability and user convenience, standards for charger types, data formats and user interface have been established clearly under this guideline.

• Mission Green Mobility (2019): This aims to develop a holistic ecosystem for electrifying India’s mobility sector, including infrastructure development.

Impact

Certainly, these initiatives have been effective and yielded results till a point as well. As of November 2023, India has over 18,000 charging stations as per EESL, which is a significant growth compared to that of just a few years ago. FAME-II has played a crucial role in boosting EV adoption, as of January 2024, over 1,500 charging stations have been established under this scheme, with a focus on major cities and highways.

Moreover, the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 (NEMMP) envisions setting up 5 million charging stations by 2030, further highlighting the government’s ambitious goal.

However, challenges remain-

• Uneven distribution: Small towns and rural areas are still lagging while major cities enjoy decent networks.

• High upfront costs: Setting up charging stations is still quite expensive despite the subsidies.

• Standardization issues: While the revised guidelines address some concerns, complete standardization and interoperability across charging networks are still underway.

The initiatives by the Indian government have built the foundation for a robust EV charging network. By addressing current challenges and implementing further areas of improvement, we can accelerate the transformation of welcoming a cleaner, greener and more electrifying future for India.

Challenges and Solutions

India’s EV revolution is gaining momentum but this road to an electrifying future is not an easy one, it’s filled with challenges that we still need to overcome. Let’s explore the major challenges hindering the growth of EV charging infrastructure in India and their potential solutions that can make this journey an easier one.

The Roadblocks:

Several factors still come in the way and hold back India’s development of a robust charging network:

• High upfront costs: Setting up charging stations, particularly fast and rapid chargers, require a significant amount of investment. A single DC fast charger can cost above rupees 5 lakh, as per Mercom India (2023) which creates a barrier for potential investors.

• Land acquisition issues: Due to space constraints and bureaucratic hurdles, finding suitable land for charging stations, especially in urban areas is often tricky.

• Lack of standardized charging protocols: This is one of the major causes of confusion and inconvenience for EV users, there needs to be a uniform standard for charging connectors and communication protocols that lead to compatibility issues.

• Limited grid capacity: Especially in regions with weaker infrastructure, integrating a surge of EVs into the power grid requires significant upgrades to ensure consistent and reliable power supply which limits grid capacity.

As of February 2024, India has only one public charging station for every 172 registered EVs (as per Statista,2024). This uneven distribution further discourages potential EV buyers, creating a unique hurdle: the “chicken and egg” dilemma of charging infrastructure. This means a situation where limited charging stations discourage potential EV buyers, and the lack of widespread EVs makes setting up more stations less financially attractive.?

We can overcome this situation of chicken and egg dilemma by overcoming fragmentation and building a robust and accessible charging network. This can make India’s EV revolution smoother and more sustainable.

Potential solutions for the road ahead

The Indian spirit is rising and facing the roadblocks with innovative solutions for a smoother journey ahead. Here are some promising solutions:

• Public-private partnerships (PPPs): If government and private players come together and collaborate, they can leverage resources and expertise. These partnerships can help overcome land acquisition hurdles and attract private investment as seen in initiatives like the Delhi Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Plan.

• Innovative financing models: A way to reduce upfront costs and encourage wider participation is to explore innovative financial solutions like crowd-funding, leasing and subscription models.? For example, Mahindra Electric Mobility’s “Charge to Go” plan allows users to pay per charge, removing the need for individual station ownership.

• Standardization initiatives: The role of government agencies and industry players is rather a crucial one in establishing and enforcing uniform charging protocols and shall be continued. The Bharat DC-001 standard is a step in the right direction, ensuring interoperability and user convenience.?

• Technology advancements: To help alleviate grid pressure and promote sustainability, smart charging technologies that optimize charging schedules and integrate with renewable energy sources should be developed. Additionally, wireless charging solutions are also a potential solution for a convenient charging experience.

Overcoming these challenges and paving a smoother way for the future is a shared responsibility that requires continued government support, combined with private sector innovation and public awareness campaigns. Every individual has a role to play in building a robust and accessible charging network. By embracing these solutions and fostering collaboration, we can transform India’s mobility landscape, one electrifying charge at a time.

Future Outlook:

India’s EV revolution is rising and the future of EV charging infrastructure in India is filled with both progress and possibilities. The electric vehicle adoption is projected to reach a staggering 30% of new car sales by 2030 as per NITI Aayog which makes the need for a robust and adaptable charging network more crucial than ever. Let’s explore the emerging trends shaping this electrifying future.

Emerging Trends With Innovation

Imagine riding effortlessly in your EV going out and about across India with a feeling of confidence that a charging station awaits you around every corner. Through innovative technologies, this vision is gradually getting converted into reality:

• Wireless charging: Say goodbye to cables and hello to embedded pads in parking spaces that automatically start charging your car wirelessly. This technology is still in its early stages but holds immense potential for convenience and efficiency. Bengaluru-based Plug n Go Mobility is already spearheading pilot projects to explore its viability.

• Smart grid integration: These are picture charging stations that intelligently adjust charging schedules based on grid demand and integrate with renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This minimizes dependence on fossil fuels and ensures efficient power utilization. An example of this great approach is Tata Power’s smart charging solution.

• Battery swapping stations: In urban areas, swapping a depleted battery for a charged one in mere minutes could become a popular option. An example of this time-saving technology is Mahindra Electric Mobility’s “Charge to Go” network.?

Benefits of a Charged Future

The benefits of a well-developed EV charging infrastructure are far beyond convenience and sustainability:

• Economic growth: The EV industry is expected to create over 5 million jobs in India by 2030 as per McKinsey & Company. Expanding charging infrastructure will further fuel this growth which will also attract investments and create new business opportunities.

• Environmental gains: The transition from traditional vehicles to EVs can significantly reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, A study by The Energy and Resources Institute estimates that widespread EV adoption could save India 1.5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030.

• Societal Progress: Improved air quality and reduced noise pollution will lead to healthier and better surroundings in cities to live in. Moreover, EVs are affordable and accessible potentially expanding personal mobility options for a wider segment of the population.

The future of India’s EV charging infrastructure is bright and innovative. By embracing advancements in technology and prioritizing sustainability, we can build a network that powers not just vehicles but a cleaner and greener future for India.

Conclusion

As we reach the end of this electrifying exploration, let’s recap the key points that highlight the landscape of India’s EV charging infrastructure:

Even though India has over 16,456 public charging stations as per Statista 2023, there are still numerous challenges like uneven distribution, the dominance of slow chargers outside major cities and a high upfront cost for setting up stations.

Government initiatives like FAME-II offer subsidies and grants but more needs to be done to address standardization issues, land acquisition hurdles and limited grid capacity.

The future holds exciting possibilities with wireless charging, battery swapping stations and renewable energy integration set to revolutionize the charging experience.

The benefits are far beyond just convenience, economic growth, environmental benefits, and societal progress are all a part of a robust charging network.