The Future of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in India: Accelerating the Transition to Sustainable Mobility

India is one of the world's largest and fastest-growing markets for automobiles. The Indian government has set an ambitious target of achieving 100% Electric Vehicle (EV) sales by 2030. India's country-wide electrification will be a turning point for the entire world and the country itself. As a result, there is a growing demand for EV charging stations across the country. By 2030, the country is forecasted to be home to 102 million EVs, with 2.9 million public charging stations needed to accommodate the growing EV adoption. This article will speak about future of electric vehicle charging station in India

The Growing Demand for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in India

Significant growth in the automotive industry in India is creating a positive outlook for the market. Rise in carbon emissions and other hazardous pollutants and increasing fuel prices, is favouring the market growth.The move towards green energy is leading to soaring electric vehicle sales in India.By 2030, the country is forecasted to be home to 102 million EVs, with 2.9 million public charging stations needed to accommodate the growing EV adoption.This growing demand for electric vehicles is bound to create demand for supportive infrastructure that is needed for these vehicles, which is why, the demand for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) in India is increasing rapidly as well.

Government Initiatives and Policies Driving the Expansion of Charging Infrastructure

The Government of India has been supporting the EV industry through schemes such as FAME I and FAME2 with a major focus on charging infrastructure. Under the FAME-India Scheme, incentives are provided to buyers of electric vehicles in the form of an upfront reduction in the purchase price of electric vehicles.

About FAME India scheme:

FAME-India Scheme is implemented by the Department of Heavy Industry in order to promote manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology and to ensure sustainable growth of the same.

FAME India is a part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan.

Main thrust of FAME is to encourage electric vehicles by providing subsidies.

(FAME-India) Scheme proposes to give a push to electric vehicles (EVs) in public transport and seeks to encourage adoption of EVs by way of market creation and demand aggregation.

It is being implemented in two phases:

Phase-I [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) & Electric Vehicles in India] from 1st April 2015.

The Phase-II of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) & Electric Vehicles.

 FAME-India Scheme Phase-I:

Under Phase-I of FAME-India Scheme, the Government has supported about 500 charging stations to establish electric vehicle charging stations in the country.

Out of about 500 charging stations sanctioned under Phase-I of FAME-India Scheme about 230 charging stations have been installed.

Further, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power has deployed 65 public charging stations for EVs in the country.

OTHER SCHEMES AND GST

The Government on 12th May, 2021 approved a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) in the country in order to bring down prices of batteries in the country. Drop in battery price will result in cost reduction of electric vehicles.

GST on electric vehicles has been reduced from 12% to 5%; GST on chargers/ charging stations for electric vehicles has been reduced from 18% to 5%.

Innovations in Charging Technologies: Fast Charging and Smart Grid Integration

Smart grid technology is enabling the effective management and distribution of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. The smart grid connects a variety of distributed energy resource assets to the power grid.

Fast charging stations can be a simple and grid-friendly solution to charge large amounts of EVs on renewable energy. Because large fast charging stations require little land, they are a good solution for cities to charge large numbers of EVs.

Overcoming Range Anxiety: Strategies for Enhancing Charging Infrastructure Coverage

Range anxiety is an EV driver’s worry that their battery will run out before the destination is reached. Basically, it’s the fear of running out of charge while on the road.

Availability of charging infrastructure is an important factor for adoption of electric vehicles into the daily transportation system. Several factors in the electric vehicle industry have caused range anxiety including insufficient charging stations, long charging time, inaccurate estimation of available range, and energy consumption of auxiliary in-vehicle devices. The network of charging stations is growing rapidly. Many cities and towns are installing public charging stations, and some companies are building their own charging networks.

EV owners can alleviate their anxiety and enjoy the benefits of driving an electric vehicle. As the infrastructure for charging stations will expand, making range anxiety less of an issue for drivers.

The Role of EV Charging Station Operators in Facilitating the Transition to Electric Mobility

Charge Point Operators (CPOs) are key players in the shift from mobility to electric mobility and the growth of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

Charge Point Operator or Charging Station Operator is responsible for providing, managing, and setting the charging infrastructure for the e-mobility industry.They operate a network of charging points - the hardware devices and future-oriented software. A CPO assures that EV chargers are always available and stable, operating 24/7 without fail. the network works seamlessly. This includes diagnostics, maintenance, and price setting.

Summing Up

There are several challenges that need to be addressed for electric vehicles to become more prevalent in India. The development of EV charging infrastructure is further incentivised by the support provided through government reforms along with continual engagement by the private sector, creating new economic opportunities along the value chains for EV charging.
While there are still hurdles to overcome, the future of transportation in India could be electric, and this could help to reduce the country's carbon footprint and improve air quality in its cities.