The Ministry of Power has issued revised guidelines titled “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024” to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India. Here are the key highlights:
Applicability:
- These guidelines apply to anyone setting up and operating EV charging stations, including private owners, commercial entities, and government agencies.
- The guidelines cover charging stations in various locations, such as public places (petrol pumps, railway stations), private parking spaces, highways, and residential societies.
Key Objectives:
- Increase the availability of safe, reliable, and accessible EV charging stations across the country.
- Encourage the development of a robust charging network, prioritizing essential locations.
- Make charging stations financially viable by facilitating land access at promotional rates, speeding up electricity connection approvals, and standardizing electricity pricing.
- Promote charging EVs during solar hours to utilize renewable energy sources.
- The electricity grid must be prepared to handle the increasing demand for power from electric vehicle charging stations.
Types of Charging Stations:
- Public Charging Stations (PCS): Open to all EV users for charging their vehicles.
- Captive Charging Stations (CCS): For exclusive use by the owner/operator, such as government departments, corporate entities, or bus depots.
- Community Charging Stations: Installed in residential societies or other accommodations for residents and authorized visitors.
Setting Up a Charging Station:
Establishing and operating an EV charging station is a de-licensed activity.
Charge Point Operators (CPOs) can apply for electricity connections from Distribution Licensees (DISCOMs) with specified timelines.
DISCOMs are required to establish a user-friendly online system for single window clearance of connection applications.
Financial Incentives:
- Public entities can offer land at subsidized rates for setting up PCS, with a revenue-sharing model based on electricity consumption.
- The government may offer subsidies for establishing public charging stations.
Charging Fees:
- The total fee for EV owners will comprise electricity charges, service charges, land cost (for PCS), and GST.
- The tariff for electricity supply to EV charging stations will be a single part and will not exceed the “Average Cost of Supply” until March 31, 2028. DISCOMs will offer lower rates during solar hours to encourage charging with renewable energy.
- Service charges for charging will have a ceiling limit and may be reviewed annually.
Charging Station Network:
- The guidelines aim to ensure at least one charging station for every square kilometer in urban areas by 2030.
- On highways, charging stations will be located every 20 km for regular EVs and every 100 km for long-range and heavy-duty vehicles.
- Partnerships with existing fuel stations are encouraged to achieve wider network coverage.
Public Charging Station Requirements:
- Must use EV chargers that comply with Indian Standards.
- May offer online booking and real-time information display for user convenience.
- Should provide open communication protocols for efficient data exchange with DISCOMs.
- Offer flexible payment options.
- Larger stations may offer additional amenities like washrooms and waiting areas.
- Stations catering to long-range and heavy-duty EVs must have high-power chargers (minimum 240 kW) with optional liquid-cooled cables.
Information Sharing:
A national database of all public charging stations will be maintained by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to help EV owners locate nearby stations.
Charging at Workplaces and Residences:
- Building owners/residents can request separate metered connections with dedicated EV charging tariffs from DISCOMs.
- Existing connections can be used for EV charging, with the option to increase the sanctioned load if needed.
- Residential Welfare Associations can establish community charging stations within their premises.
Charging Stations for E-Buses:
- E-bus depots can choose to obtain electricity through either open access or a connection from the local electricity distribution company (DISCOM).
- E-bus depots must install high-power EV chargers with a minimum capacity of 240 kW.
Vehicle to Grid (V2G) Technology:
The guidelines aim to ensure at least one charging station for every square kilometer in urban areas by 2030.
Implementation:
- The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will monitor the progress and implementation of these guidelines.
- Each state will designate a State Nodal Agency to coordinate with DISCOMs for facilitating electricity connections for various charging stations.
These revised guidelines aim to create a supportive ecosystem for the growth of EV charging infrastructure in India, paving the way for wider adoption of electric vehicles.
