Sustainable Shopping Spree: EV Charging Stations at Popular Shopping Malls in Delhi NCR

The Delhi Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy, introduced in August 2020, aims to drive the adoption of electric vehicles in the city, positioning Delhi as the leading hub for electric mobility in India. Since its inception, the policy has implemented several initiatives to realize this vision.

The government of Delhi imposed a law in March 2021 requiring businesses and organizations with 100 or more parking spaces to reserve 5% of their lot for electric cars. This directive emphasizes the importance of infrastructure readiness for electric vehicles and encourages their widespread adoption.

To support this directive, the Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi (DDC-D) and WRI India collaborated to release the Workplace EV Charging Guidebook for Corporates in Delhi in November 2021. This guidebook equips corporations with practical strategies for installing EV charging infrastructure within their premises, fostering a conducive environment for electric mobility among employees.

In a further effort to expand the network of EV charging infrastructure, the Delhi Government has extended an invitation to shopping malls in the city to participate in promoting electric vehicles. By installing EV chargers in mall parking spaces, the government aims to enhance the accessibility and visibility of charging facilities, encouraging more individuals to embrace electric mobility.

These initiatives reflect the government's proactive approach towards sustainable transportation and environmental stewardship. By fostering partnerships and implementing innovative solutions, Delhi is poised to lead the way in electric mobility, contributing to cleaner air and a greener future for all residents.

Shopping Malls in Delhi -NCR equipped with EV Charging Station

• DLF Mall of India, Noida
• Select Citywalk, Saket
• DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj
• Ambience Mall, Gurgaon
• Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden
• The Great India Place (TGIP), Noida
• Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj
• Mall of Delhi, Saket
• DLF Cyberhub, Gurgaon
• Ansal Plaza, Khel Gaon Marg

Why Shopping Malls Should Prioritize EV Charging Facilities?

Benefits for Mall Owners

Installing EV charging facilities can attract additional foot traffic, as customers may choose malls that offer charging amenities. This could also lead to increased dwell time, as customers may shop while their vehicles are charging. EV charging infrastructure has the potential to become a lucrative revenue stream for mall owners.

Malls can optimize parking assets by partnering with delivery and shared mobility fleet operators to utilize charging facilities during off-peak hours. EV charging stations increase mall visibility on platforms like Google Maps and EV charging apps, enhancing their appeal to potential visitors. Retailers can enhance their environmental image by offering EV charging, attracting eco-conscious customers and fostering loyalty. Malls often have High Tension (HT) connections, reducing setup costs for charging stations, especially fast-charging ones.

Benefits for Visitors

EV charging availability encourages shop owners and tenants to adopt EVs, benefiting from lower vehicle maintenance costs. Retailers can develop loyalty programs tailored to EV drivers, incentivizing repeat visits and purchases.

Benefits for Consumer

EV charging at malls provides a convenient opportunity for long-distance travelers to recharge while taking a break. Mall charging stations offer "opportunity charging" for shoppers, enhancing the overall shopping experience. Consumers without home charging facilities can utilize mall charging stations, promoting accessibility to EV ownership.

Social Benefits

Wide availability of EV charging promotes EV adoption, contributing to cleaner air and better public health in Delhi.

Incentives on Electric Vehicles and EVSE under the Delhi EV Policy

Purchase Incentives

• Scrapping incentive of up to INR 5,000 for registered owners of electric 2-wheelers and INR 7,500 for e-carriers/e-autos.
• Waiver of road tax and registration fees for all Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) during the policy period.
• Interest rate subvention of 5% on loans for purchasing e-autos/e-carts/e-carriers.

Incentives on Charging Equipment

• 100% grant for the purchase of charging equipment, up to INR 6,000 per charging point for the first 30,000 charging points.
• Grants available for purchasing AC 001 chargers and LEV AC chargers through the Delhi government.

Special Electricity Tariff

Concessional tariff available for all Private Charging Points compliant with BEVC-AC001 standards and connected to the Central Management System (CMS) of the relevant DISCOM.

Lower GST

GST was reduced to 5% on electric vehicles (from 12%) and EV chargers (from 18%) by the GST Council in July 2019.

All GNCTD subsidies are additional to incentives provided under the FAME-II policy

• 2-wheelers: INR 5,000 per kWh of battery capacity per vehicle, up to a maximum of INR 30,000 per vehicle.
• E-carriers: INR 30,000 purchase incentive for the first 10,000 e-carriers.
• E-autos/e-carts: INR 30,000 purchase incentive per vehicle.