The Evolution of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Chennai: Challenges and Solutions
Ancient temples, vibrant arts,iconic cuisine,bharatnatyam,lustrous silk sarees makes Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu.One of the most popular tourist destinations in the southern fringes of the country. Chennai, formerly known as Madras,also known as the "Detroit of Asia" in the city's major automotive and related industries.
It is counted as one of the top 10 automotive hubs in the world and is currently emerging as one of the largest automotive hubs in the world.many big names in vehicles and parts suppliers have chosen this place to set up an electric vehicle (EV) centre that will supply about 4.5 million electric motorcycles over the coming five years.In this article we are going to see evolution of charging stations in Chennai.
Obstacles in Electric vehicles adoption
As per the data and figures of the VAHAN group, up to 30,036 electric vehicles were registered in the state in 2021, compared to 5,696 registered electric vehicles in 2020, of which more than 97% were motorcycles. In 2019, there were 3,444 electric vehicles registered in Chennai which is a very less number as compared to 2021.Electric vehicles adoption is hampered by a lack of sufficient public charging points. Tamil Nadu plans to install more than 650 electric vehicle charging stations on the state's national highways. These national highways connect Chennai with other cities such as Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, and Trivandrum.The government of Tamil Nadu believed the fact that electric vehicle sales will be boosted by expanding the state's charging infrastructure.Overall EV sales have increased slightly, but poor charging infrastructure remains a barrier.
The existing charging points at petrol pumps, highways and metro stations in the city are inadequate to meet the target set by the Union government.
Solution for improving charging station infrastructure
The Greater Chennai Corporation is likely to start regulation of the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in parking lots and buildings to facilitate phased migration to sustainable transportation.
Following the directions from the Union government,
-The civic body will explore the feasibility of development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure at all the public parking lots at 88 locations of the Corporation.
-Once the 5,000 on-street parking slots get electric charging infrastructure, users will be able to charge their vehicles at all these locations.
-The Corporation already has charging infrastructure at 35 parking locations for its fleet of garbage clearance vehicles.
-Commercial buildings are likely to be asked to improve electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
-New buildings are likely to get the infrastructure with adequate parking spaces, increasing the number of accessible charging points in the city
-New building rules are expected to be formulated for shared charging of electric vehicle users for apartments, office campuses, gated communities, malls and government buildings.
Universal charging stations across the city
The Greater Chennai Corporation will soon facilitate e-vehicle manufacturers to set up universal charging stations across the city.Presently, each of the car companies keep their own charging station with their own specifications. Some of these presently do not support fast charging which means it would take several hours for commuters to charge their vehicle.
EV charging station companies in chennai:
1. ReVolt’s Electric Vehicle Charging Station
2. Kazam EV Charging Station
3. Relux Electric Charging Station
4. Lectron Charging Station
5. EESL Charging Station
6. Some other private charging stations as well to be found.
Kazam EV Charging Station in Chennai
Address: 4-1394, 4th Block, Mogappair West, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600037
Address: 7, Thiruvottiyur High Rd, Ashok Nagar, Tondiarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600081
Address: Parijatham" Plot no 12, 11th Main Rd, West Gandhi Nagar, Vaishnavi Nagar, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600109
