RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN EV INFRASTRUCTURE IN INDIA

Dr. Shailesh Deshmukh
Assistant Professor
Department of Electrical Engineering
Kalinga University, Raipur (C.G)
shailesh.deshmukh@kalingauniversity.ac.in
India is witnessing a significant transformation in its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, driven by government initiatives, private sector investments, and increasing consumer demand for sustainable transportation. This article highlights the recent developments in EV infrastructure across the country.
1. Expansion of Charging Networks
Increased Charging Stations
In recent months, there has been a notable surge in the establishment of EV charging stations. Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power companies, recently announced that it has installed over 100,000 home EV chargers across the country. This milestone reflects the growing commitment to expanding charging infrastructure.
Collaborations for Infrastructure Development
Several automakers and energy companies are collaborating to enhance the EV charging network. For instance, Tata Motors has partnered with Delta Electronics India and Thunder plus Solutions to set up additional charging stations. Furthermore, Tata has entered into agreements with oil retailers like Shell and HPCL to leverage their extensive fuel station networks for EV charging. This collaborative approach is crucial for addressing the range anxiety that potential EV users may experience.
2. Government Initiatives
FAME Scheme
The Indian government is actively promoting EV adoption through the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme. The third edition of this scheme is expected to be finalized soon, which will support the installation of charging stations along major highways. This initiative aims to create a robust charging infrastructure that can accommodate the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.
Unified Platform for Charging Stations
To streamline the process of establishing EV charging stations, the government is developing a nationwide unified platform. This platform will facilitate applications for electricity connections and track the progress of charging station installations, thereby addressing delays and improving infrastructure expansion rates.
3. Challenges in Infrastructure Development
Despite the positive developments, several challenges remain in the expansion of EV infrastructure in India:
⦁ Real Estate Constraints: Acquiring suitable locations for charging stations in urban areas is a significant challenge. Many charging point operators (CPOs) struggle to find optimal sites for installation.
⦁ High Installation Costs: The initial costs associated with setting up charging stations can be prohibitively high, particularly in tier 1 cities. Installation and grid upgrade costs can sometimes exceed the hardware costs, making it difficult for smaller players to enter the market.
⦁ Voltage Spikes: In remote areas, voltage spikes can render charging stations nonfunctional, further complicating the infrastructure landscape.
4. Future Outlook
Projections for Charging Points
According to S&P Global Mobility, it is projected that India will have over 9,000 public and semi-public charging points installed by the end of 2024. However, the country still lacks a robust network of fast chargers, with most public charging stations being slow chargers. As EVs are equipped with larger batteries, the demand for fast charging solutions will become increasingly critical.
Investment in Grid Infrastructure
To support the growing EV market, various Indian states and power distribution companies are working to improve grid infrastructure. This investment is essential for ensuring that the charging network can handle the increased demand from electric vehicles.
Conclusion
The recent developments in EV infrastructure in India indicate a strong commitment to promoting electric mobility. With government support, private sector collaborations, and ongoing investments, the country is on the path to establishing a comprehensive charging network. However, addressing the existing challenges will be crucial for ensuring the successful adoption of electric vehicles in India.
References-
A Comprehensive Review on Developments in Electric Vehicle Charging Station Infrastructure and Present Scenario of India
Brief CASE: India’s EV infrastructure growth is nearly fully charged | S⦁ &⦁ P Global
Frontiers | Revolutionizing mobility: a comprehensive review of electric vehicles charging stations in India