In an effort to address the lack of adequate charging stations and accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption in India, Tata Motors, the country's largest electric car manufacturer, has announced a goal to establish 4 lakh EV charging stations by 2027. This initiative is part of Tata's broader vision to enhance EV accessibility and sustainability in India.
Under the "Open Collaboration 2.0" initiative, Tata Motors aims to install 30,000 new public charging points in partnership with Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Additionally, the initiative includes setting up 500 TATA.ev Mega Chargers, which will be open to all electric vehicle brands, as well as superfast chargers with four charging bays. These efforts are expected to significantly boost India's EV charging ecosystem.
Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding the charging network. “To enable the exponential growth of EVs in India, we’ve launched ‘Open Collaboration 2.0’, aiming to expand the charging network to over 400,000 points in the next two years, in partnership with leading CPOs. This initiative will enhance the speed, reliability, and user experience of charging while improving the viability of CPOs and facilitating their growth,” Chandra stated.
Tata Motors has played a crucial role in the development of EV charging infrastructure in India. Initially, the company collaborated with Tata Group affiliates to implement private and home charging solutions. Over time, their focus shifted to expanding public charging networks in cities with high EV adoption rates.
In 2023, Tata Motors launched its ‘Open Collaboration’ framework to work alongside CPOs and OMCs, targeting key hotspots and highways to facilitate seamless long-distance EV travel. With the expansion of this initiative, Tata Motors aims to make EV charging more accessible and efficient for all users.
Tata.ev has already made significant strides in enhancing the EV ecosystem. According to the company’s press release, its cumulative efforts have resulted in:
Over 1.5 lakh private or home chargers installed
2,500 community chargers set up across India
750 chargers deployed at Tata dealerships in more than 200 cities
With the implementation of ‘Open Collaboration 2.0’, Tata.ev plans to more than double the number of charging points, surpassing 400,000 within the next two years.
One of the highlights of this initiative is the TATA.ev Mega Chargers, designed to accommodate all EV brands. However, Tata.ev customers will receive priority access and tariff benefits. These chargers will be seamlessly integrated with Tata Motors' IRA.ev app, allowing users to locate, access, and pay for charging conveniently, eliminating the need for multiple charging apps. Partner CPOs will be responsible for operating these chargers, ensuring efficient service and maintenance.
While Tata Motors is leading the EV charging expansion, other automakers are also investing in charging networks. Maruti Suzuki, which recently unveiled its first electric vehicle, the e-Vitara, has set a target of establishing a charging point every 5 to 10 kilometers in the top 100 cities. This move aligns with the growing need for an extensive EV charging network to support increasing EV adoption.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for EV Charging in India
Tata Motors' aggressive expansion of EV charging infrastructure through ‘Open Collaboration 2.0’ is a major step toward enhancing EV adoption in India. By setting up 4 lakh charging stations, Tata Motors aims to create a more accessible and efficient EV ecosystem. With other automakers also focusing on expanding charging networks, India is poised to witness a rapid transformation in its EV infrastructure in the coming years.