Does India now have 29,151 electric vehicle charging stations?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Dec 16 (NationPress) As per the latest update, India boasts 29,151 electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) across the nation, as reported to Parliament on Tuesday. Among these, 8,805 are categorized as fast-charging stations, while 20,346 are slow-charging stations, according to Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, in a written response to the Lok Sabha.
The government has allocated Rs 2,000 crore under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme to enhance EV charging infrastructure throughout India.
The second phase of the FAME India scheme is running for five years (until 31.03.2024) with a total outlay of Rs 11,500 crore.
Under this scheme, 16,71,606 lakh EVs have been sold, and 6,862 e-buses have been approved.
Additionally, 8,932 EV Public Charging Stations (EVPCS) have been established by three oil marketing companies (OMCs), as mentioned by the minister.
The PM E-DRIVE Scheme, with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore, is set to commence on 01.04.2024. This initiative focuses on supporting various electric vehicles, including e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-Trucks, e-buses, and e-Ambulances, alongside the development of public charging stations and upgrades for testing agencies.
Importantly, setting up electric vehicle charging stations is considered an unlicensed activity, allowing private entrepreneurs to engage in this sector as per guidelines from the Ministry of Power.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries is also overseeing the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme termed the “National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage,” which was approved in May 2021, with a total investment of Rs 18,100 crore aimed at establishing 50 GWh of domestic Advanced Chemistry Cell manufacturing capacity.
According to the minister, at least 10 manufacturers have collectively announced a manufacturing capacity of about 178GWh in the next five years.
The Union Cabinet has also given the green light to promote the manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM), with a financial commitment of Rs 7,280 crore to establish 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated REPM manufacturing capacity in India.