Government Plans To Install Charging Stations Across 69,000 Fuel Stations In India

The government reports that there are over 69,000 fuel stations in the country and it plans to have at least one EV charger at each petrol pump. This will eliminate one of the biggest fear for existing and potential EV buyers, which is range anxiety.

All the Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) petrol pumps could be asked by the government to compulsorily install EV chargers. In addition to this, the new guidelines state that new fuel pumps being set up must offer at least one form of alternative fuel.

Due to the growing demand for electric vehicles in the Indian market, new petrol pumps being set up in the country is opting for an electric vehicle charging facility. This could mean that most new petrol pumps coming up in the country will have charging facilities in the country regardless of the initiative.

Stated in a recent press conference, Power Minister R K Singh suggested oil ministry top officials that "they may issue an order for their oil marketing companies (OMCs) under their administrative control for setting up charging kiosks at all COCO petrol pumps".

In a recent discussion about EV charging infrastructure across the country, the ministry announced its plan of expansion. At initial stages, the focus will be on Tier 1 cities to increase the charging infrastructure. This includes Delhi & NCR, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Vadodara and Bhopal; among others.

The rule applies to fuel stations in cities as well as on highways, which will encourage existing EV owners to consider interstate travel while getting new users added as well.

The charging stations are usually imported from various countries majorly being China & Pakistan. To support Prime Mister's Make-In-India movement, the Power Minister has also banned importing chargers and related equipment in the country.

As a result, it will also help boost business for local manufacturer catering to the charging infrastructure needs in the country. It will help build a stable ecosystem for EV making for a faster adoption in the country.

Thoughts About Government Planing To Install Charging Stations Across 69,000 Fuel Stations In India

If the rules come into effect, it will eliminate one of the biggest hurdles for EV adoption in the country. Having more chargers across the country will make for frequent use of EVs inside the city, which will reduce pollution by a great extent. While charging stations in highways increase the boundary for travelling in an electric vehicle.