India's top 9 cities to require 18,000 public EV charging stations by 2030: Government Report

The Indian government has unveiled a significant initiative to address the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. According to recent parliamentary information, nine major cities in India, each with a population exceeding four million, are projected to require a total of 18,000 public EV charging stations by the year 2030.

This move comes as the nation seeks to propel the adoption of electric vehicles and foster a sustainable transportation ecosystem.

Projected Charging Stations Requirement

Minister of Heavy Industries, Mahendra Nath Pandey, shared the insightful data during a Lok Sabha session, indicating the urgency of enhancing EV charging infrastructure. He stated, "Preliminary studies conducted for the nine cities, which include Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, all with a population of over 4 million, indicate a requirement of 18,000 public EV charging stations by 2030."

Current EV Charging Landscape

As of July 31, 2023, there are already 9,113 operational public EV charging stations in India, equipped with a total of 15,493 EV chargers. This existing infrastructure is vital for accommodating the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.

EV Adoption and Ratio of EVs to Chargers

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways' VAHAN portal data revealed that a substantial number of electric vehicles—28,17,554—are currently operational in India as of July 31, 2023. However, the ratio of electric vehicles to public EV chargers in the country stands at 182, illustrating the pressing need to expand the charging network to cater to the surging demand for electric mobility.

Distribution of Charging Stations

The state of Maharashtra leads the nation with the highest number of EV charging stations, boasting a total of 2,494, as of July 31. Following closely behind are Delhi with 1,627 charging stations and Karnataka with 753, emphasizing the regional distribution of charging infrastructure.

Government Initiatives and Future Plans

Minister Pandey shared insights into the ongoing efforts to bolster the EV charging network. The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is spearheading the deployment of 22,000 public EV charging stations, slated for completion by December 2024. Notably, a significant portion—7,432 stations—will be established under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India Phase II (FAME-II) scheme, overseen by the Ministry of Heavy Industry. The government has allocated INR 1,000 Crore for EV charging infrastructure development as part of the FAME-II initiative.

Challenges and Controversies

While India's push towards EVs is gaining momentum, the FAME-II scheme has faced challenges. Some two-wheeler original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have been investigated for allegedly claiming subsidies in violation of norms. Additionally, certain EV companies have been found guilty of separate charges for proprietary software and chargers, leading to the government's call for refunds.

Future Outlook

To further encourage EV adoption, the government is reportedly drafting the third phase of the FAME scheme with a budget of INR 40,000 to INR 50,000 Crore. As India marches toward a sustainable automotive future, the government's commitment to expanding the EV charging infrastructure is a pivotal step.

Relevant and latest facts:

• The government study was conducted by the Ministry of Power.

• The study found that the top 9 cities would require 18,000 public EV charging stations by 2030 to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles.

• The current number of public EV charging stations in the country is 9,113, which is far less than the number required.

• Maharashtra has the highest number of public EV charging stations in the country, with 2,494 stations.

• Delhi and Karnataka follow Maharashtra in terms of number of public EV charging stations.

• The government is planning to deploy 22,000 public EV charging stations by December 2024.

• The FAME-II scheme is a government initiative to promote the use of electric vehicles in the country.

• The FAME-II scheme has been mired in controversy, with several companies being accused of violating the norms.

• The government is preparing a draft for the third phase of the FAME scheme, which is expected to have a larger outlay than the current phase.