Expanding the network of fast charging across India, Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) has introduced EV fast-charging stations on six highways in Western India such as Pune-Ahmednagar-Aurangabad, Pune-Solapur, Pune- Nashik, Pune-Kolhapur, Mumbai-Nashik, and Nashik-Shirdi.
The EV fast chargers at BPCL fuel stations recharge EVs in just about 30 minutes, giving a driving range of up to 125 km; therefore, the distance between the two such facilities at highways has been kept within 100 km.
The fast chargers follow the CCS-2 protocol and are a part of BPCL’s initiative to address the range anxiety of electric vehicle owners. Sanjeev Agrawal, Executive Director (Engg & Automation, Retail), BPCL, said, “It’s a defining moment for BPCL to energise six highway corridors in Maharashtra and Goa with the commissioning of 24 CCS2 DC fast chargers having requisite safety measures.”
Now BPCL commands 12 highway corridors across India to serve EV customers with an aspirational plan to cover 200 corridors with EV chargers at 7,000 energy stations by 2024.
Akshay Wadhwa, Head (Retail) West, BPCL, added, “Maharashtra is among the top four Indian States, with most electric vehicle registrations, therefore, setting up the Fast EV charging infrastructure on the highway in Maharashtra will support further growth of EV in the State.”