Tech Hub Goes Green: Exploring the Top EV Charging Stations in Bangalore
Bengaluru's rapid adoption of electric cars (EVs) is a testament to the city's dedication to carbon reduction and environmentally friendly transportation. The number of electric car charging stations in Bengaluru's tech-savvy community increased significantly in 2023, suggesting that the city's infrastructure to enable green mobility is expanding.
Bengaluru's present EV charging station situation demonstrates the city's attempts to provide a reliable network of conveniently located charging stations. The adoption of EVs by locals and commuters, as well as the smooth transition from traditional to electric transportation, depend on this infrastructure.
The significant number of people who drive electric vehicles in Bengaluru—over 45,000 people—is evidence of the growing demand for EVs in the area. A number of variables, including the growing expense of operating internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, are contributing to the boom in EV adoption.
Bengaluru in particular, in Karnataka, stands out as a pioneer in the promotion of electric transportation. The state government has put in place a number of programmes to stimulate the use of electric vehicles (EVs), such as financial incentives for EV purchasers, infrastructure subsidies for charging stations, and supportive laws to promote EV investment and manufacture.
The increasing need for infrastructure supporting electric vehicles is met by a number of significant EV charging stations in Bangalore.
Among the well-known ones are:
Kazam EV
Kazam was founded in 2020 with the goal of democratizing electric mobility by Akshay and Vaibhav. With experiences in early-stage energy businesses and PepsiCo backgrounds, the two founders bring a plethora of knowledge and experience in innovative product development and international business management to the table. The primary goal of Kazam is to make electric mobility available to everyone by providing the most economical and intelligent internet-based charging stations for electric vehicles. These stations may be used for business or personal purposes and don't need any human assistance to operate.
Ather Grid
Bangalore is home to the extensive Ather Grid network of EV charging stations, which was founded by Ather Energy. Ather Grid may be used with a variety of electric cars since it provides fast-charging DC and AC alternatives.
Charge Points for Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
Even though its primary business is oil, IOCL has installed charging stations all across Bangalore because it understands the value of EV infrastructure. To accommodate a variety of electric car models, IOCL charge stations provide rapid charging choices for both AC and DC power. For the benefit of EV owners, these charging stations are well situated at a few fuel stations along the city's main thoroughfares.
Bescom Power Outlets
By putting up charging stations all across the city, Bangalore Electric Supply Company (Bescom) has also jumped on board the campaign to encourage electric vehicles. Bescom charging stations are designed primarily for vehicles, although they may also be used to charge e-bikes.
Magenta Power's Charge Grid
Magenta Power has made a significant impact in the electric car charging market with its Charge Grid programme. Electric bikes may be charged using Magenta Power's EV charging stations in Bangalore, which are primarily designed for four-wheeler charging infrastructure.
EZ Charge Tata Power
Bangalore now boasts an extensive network of EV charging stations thanks to Tata Power's EZ Charge scheme. Tata Power has placed its charging stations thoughtfully across the city to provide EV users easy access.
Factors to cause rise of EV charging stations
Since electric vehicles are less expensive than conventional gasoline-powered cars, they have become a popular choice.
Based on the kind of power produced, electric charging stations in Bengaluru may be divided into two categories: AC charging stations and DC charging stations.
AC outlets for charging
Alternating Current (AC), akin to that found in home or office electric outlets, is supplied by these stations. Electricity is initially transferred to the car's onboard charger while recharging an electric bike via an AC socket. This charger transforms AC to DC (Direct Current) before sending power to the battery pack. Generally speaking, AC charging stations are more accessible than DC charging stations, although they provide slower charging.
DC Charging Outlets
Direct Current (DC), produced by DC charging stations, is more difficult to create and transport than AC electricity. DC stations are not as numerous as AC stations, although they are renowned for their quick charging times. Faster charging times can be achieved by using DC chargers since they can directly charge the battery pack instead of using the onboard charger in the car. DC chargers deliver direct current.
DC Quick Charger
The EV ecosystem's quickest charging options are DC chargers, which provide lightning-fast charging speeds. These stations are perfect for urgent charging needs because they just need a 480V electric power source and can charge an electric bike up to 80% in 1-2 hours. Electric charging stations in Bengaluru meet the various demands of owners of electric vehicles by offering a range of charger kinds and levels, guaranteeing quick and effective charging experiences.
There are a lot of advantages to Bengaluru's significant rise in EV charging station density, including:
Advantages for the Environment
Reduction of Carbon Footprints: By using greener sources of energy, EVs help to create a cleaner environment by lowering carbon emissions and urban air pollution.
Reduced Reliance on Fossil Fuels: As EV usage increases, there will be a drop in the use of fossil fuels, which will result in a reduction in the use of non-renewable resources and a move towards more sustainable energy sources.
Financial Benefits
Growth of the EV Industry: In Bengaluru and throughout India, the number of EV charging stations will contribute to the expansion of the electric car market.
India has made great strides in recent years in expanding its infrastructure for charging electric vehicles (EVs), and these efforts are praiseworthy. The nation has more than 5,200 public charging stations as of 2023, and there are ambitious plans to increase this number to 46,000 by 2030. Having installed 704 charging stations, of which 320 have been established by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), Karnataka, and especially Bengaluru, have emerged as leaders in this endeavor. Karnataka's success may be attributed in large part to its use of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The expansion of EV charging infrastructure in Karnataka has been made possible thanks in large part to the PPP model. Karnataka has been able to expedite the installation of charging stations by promoting cooperation between the public and commercial sectors, setting the groundwork for a future in mobility that is greener and cleaner. This cooperative strategy can act as a model for other states and areas seeking to improve their EV charging infrastructure and encourage environmentally friendly transportation options.
BESCOM wants to grow its present membership by a large margin. Its goal over the next few years is to reach 3,568 charging stations. Even though achieving this target will be extremely difficult, Karnataka can do it if they continue on their current trajectory.
