With home, community and public infrastructure, EV charging is becoming even more convenient and accessible.
Author: Mr. Balaje Rajan, Chief Strategy Officer - Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles & Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Limited.
In recent years, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has transformed India’s mobility landscape. With 1.66 million EVs sold in FY2023-24, a remarkable growth of 41% over the previous year1, and 236,199 units sold Apr-May 2024 alone2, it is evident that EVs are no longer a niche market. These eco-friendly vehicles have seamlessly integrated into our present, propelling us toward a cleaner, greener future. Currently, more than 2 million EVs ply the Indian roads, including 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, and 4-wheelers. As India marches towards its ambitious 2070 net zero goal and seeks to reduce oil imports, EVs have emerged as a strategic imperative.
The EV Charging Experience: A Paradigm Shift
Compared to the traditional refuelling experience of petrol, diesel, or compressed natural gas vehicles, the charging experience for EVs is relatively new and vastly different, mirroring our experience with mobile phones, which run on the same fuel – electricity. Electricity, unlike fossil fuels, is ubiquitous, enabling motorists to access it in an exponentially larger set of spaces, including our homes and offices. This accessibility opens up several possibilities for seamlessly integrating EV charging into our daily lives.
Just as we charge our mobile phones overnight, EV owners can conveniently charge their vehicles at home or work. More than 90% of EV customers choose to charge their cars in these familiar settings. Additionally, EVs do not require daily charging, further simplifying the process for users.
The Crucial Role of Charging Infrastructure
The public EV charging infrastructure in India has grown tremendously, with over 12,000 operational EV chargers, surpassing the number of CNG stations which currently stand at around 6,2003. With the count of EV chargers set to grow even further over the next year, vehicle charging is going to become more seamless and convenient than refuelling.
India also has over 4,000 Community Chargers, which are home charging units with a billing device installed in common parking spaces within the community's premises. Capable of supporting 5 EVs or more each, these chargers make it extremely easy for residents to charge their EVs and make payments using an app or RFID. Commercial and residential real estate builders are also incorporating charging infrastructure into new developments.
The expansion of charging infrastructure is not limited to urban areas alone. The symbiotic efforts of stakeholders such as charging point operators (CPOs), power distribution companies (discoms), and oil marketing companies (OMCs) have led to EV chargers being strategically placed along national highways, ensuring a charger every 100 kilometres. Tools such as the Tata.ev Route Planner are also making it easier for EV owners to plan their journeys by mapping out all available chargers along a given route.
Initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, which aims to incentivize the installation of 1 crore rooftop solar systems across India, also hold great promise for India’s EV charging requirements as EV owners can potentially charge their vehicles with free electricity generated on their own rooftops.
The Road Ahead
EV charging has become ubiquitous, with numerous efforts underway to enhance the EV charging infrastructure in the country even further. As India progresses toward its net-zero emissions goal, the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, technological advancements, and consumer awareness is continuing to shape the future of eco-friendly mobility. For discerning and environmentally conscious consumers, the promise of a cleaner, greener transportation system is within reach.
In summary, India’s EV revolution is not just about vehicles; it’s about empowering consumers and transforming the way we move. With charging infrastructure expanding and innovative solutions on the horizon, the future of electric mobility is bright!
Published: 25 August 2024 | moneycontrol.com
