Delhi To Receive 131 New EV Charging Stations Soon — Will Be Operational In Next Three Months

The national capital of Delhi is set to receive 131 new electric vehicle charging stations. The government of Delhi and the Power Ministry has planned to set up the charging stations to ensure customers have access to the facility at all times, while also addressing the concerns of other potential buyers of electric vehicles.

According to the plan, the government intend to split the 131 stations among metro stations, CNG stations and fuel stations. Out of the 131 electric charging stations planned for Delhi; 33 will be set up at metro stations, 34 at CNG outlets and the rest at different fuel stations.

This includes 24 at Indian Oil petrol pumps, 15 at BP fuel stations and 9 at HP fuel stations. There will also be one charging station each at both the T3 terminal at IGI Airport and Jamia Millia.

Economic Times sources also state that the government wants these facilities set up and operational within the next three months. According to the Centre, three municipal corporations and Delhi Transco Ltd will be the nodal agencies, which will set up the charging stations in their respective areas.

The EV charging stations once set up will be further operated by the four agencies for a period of three years. The nodal agencies will further charge the user with a small fee. The officials also stated that once the business model is financially viable, they expect other private players also to setup similar facilities as well.

According to Alekhya Datta, Area Convener, TERI, stated:

"One of the reasons why people think twice before buying an electric car is 'range anxiety' - the apprehension they would have no option to recharge in case the vehicle runs out of battery. The government is trying to address that concern. The skeleton of charging network will bring confidence as one can be sure of getting a charging station in a few km range. More stations will come up as demand goes up."

The push towards setting up charging stations in Delhi, is because the Centre expects a major push in sale of electric vehicles in Delhi. This is because, there will be many government departments who will procure or hire such vehicles in the near future. It is also because of the fact that many major car makers are looking at introducing electric vehicles in the country as well.

Thoughts On Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The Indian government is heavily working towards the set up of electric vehicle mobility solutions in the Indian market. However, to do this, they first have to set up electric charging stations across the country, which is severely lacking at the moment. The push towards setting up these EV stations is a welcome move from the government.