The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in India is increasingly dependent on the availability of accessible charging infrastructure, with a special emphasis on home charging. While public charging stations play a significant role, a recent whitepaper by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) highlights that enabling residents to charge their vehicles within Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs) is critical for widespread EV adoption. This issue is particularly important in metropolitan cities, where high-density housing and shared ownership create unique challenges. The problem is not limited to India, as developed countries with similar urban living patterns also face difficulties in facilitating home charging.
According to the whitepaper, countries like China have successfully streamlined home charging through regulatory support and financial incentives. In contrast, India is still in the process of developing its regulatory framework, and although both the Central and State Governments have introduced provisions for home charging, implementation at the ground level remains weak. The paper emphasizes that without effective enforcement, these policies cannot translate into practical solutions for residents.
To address these challenges, SIAM recommends establishing a robust governance structure to ensure that all stakeholders, including residents, RWAs, and government authorities, are adequately supported. This begins with the formation of a state-level apex committee comprising officials from the Departments of Municipal Administration, Power, and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies. The apex committee would serve as the highest authority to monitor the enforcement of home charging regulations, ensuring that rules are applied consistently and effectively. In addition, the committee would establish a dedicated grievance cell, providing a transparent channel for residents and stakeholders to report issues and seek timely resolution with support from the relevant agencies.
On the ground, the whitepaper underscores the importance of empowering Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), which have regular interactions with RWAs and are therefore well-positioned to enforce regulations. ULBs would be given the authority to levy fines on RWAs that fail to comply with the mandates for installing or facilitating EV charging infrastructure. By granting enforcement and penalty powers directly to ULBs, the proposed framework aims to convert policy into practical action, ensuring that apartment dwellers can reliably access home charging facilities
The SIAM whitepaper highlights that ensuring every resident’s ‘Right to Charge’ is essential for the sustainable growth of EVs in India. This involves not only drafting robust regulations but also creating effective monitoring mechanisms and providing clear channels for grievance redressal. The combined role of apex committees and empowered ULBs is presented as a solution to overcome bureaucratic delays and compliance challenges, translating regulatory intent into actionable outcomes.
The whitepaper presents these governance and enforcement measures as indispensable to India’s electric future. Without them, home charging—a critical pillar of EV adoption—may continue to face hurdles, especially in densely populated urban centers. The whitepaper makes it clear that establishing a clear regulatory framework, empowering local authorities, and ensuring accountability at all levels are key steps to building a robust EV ecosystem in India.
This approach reflects a structured, multi-level strategy that addresses both policy and practical challenges, aiming to make EV charging accessible, reliable, and enforceable for all residents across the country.
