In view of the remarkable expansion in India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) asserts that the installation of 13 lakh EV charging stations by 2030 is essential to support the escalating EV demand. As per the report, this figure corresponds to a charging infrastructure ratio of 1:40 EVs, requiring over 4 lakh charger installations annually.
Despite recent strides in charging station deployment, the current network inadequately serves the burgeoning EV market and does little to mitigate user concerns about range anxiety. The CII report, crafted in collaboration with Edelman Global Advisory (EGA), highlights the need for substantial government backing at both the central and state levels to create a robust charging infrastructure that fosters EV growth.
Vipin Sondhi, Chairperson of CII National Committee on Future Mobility 2022-23, accentuates the opportunity for India to flourish as a global manufacturing hub for charging stations. He advocates for a conducive policy environment that empowers startups, MSMEs, and large companies to expedite nationwide charging infrastructure rollout. Sondhi underscores the significance of this initiative not only in promoting EV adoption but also in generating employment and boosting exports.
Presently, India’s EV/public charger ratio stands at a mere 1:135, a considerable contrast to the global ideal ratio of 6-20 EVs per public charger. To quell range anxiety and enhance consumer confidence, EV charging infrastructure must undergo substantial expansion.
Private companies like Tata Power are stepping up efforts to proliferate EV charging infrastructure nationwide. Tata Power claims a significant market share with over 40,000 home chargers, 4,000 public and semi-public charging points, and 250 bus charging points across 550 cities. Their innovative strategy now includes charging stations in budget hotels, exemplified by the recent installation of 16 chargers in Le Roi Hotels and Resorts.
The CII report offers pivotal recommendations, including the establishment of a single-window mechanism for approving public charging infrastructure, the integration of charging networks into town planning, and the encouragement of renewable energy for EV charging. Additionally, the report advocates for incentives to promote domestic manufacturing of EV charging components and the compulsory use of 100% renewables for charging stations to achieve sustainable mobility transition.