The electric vehicle (EV) network in India is growing at a fast pace. With the increase in the number of electric vehicles on the road there is a growing daily need for charging public electric vehicle. For any electric car, scooter, or three-wheeler owner, it is also important to know how to access and utilize the public EV charging stations near you to help facilitate a seamless and hassle-free transportation experience. This complete guide will assist you in finding, accessing, and using public EV charging stations safely, entitled to efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Public EV charging not only ensures the vehicle stays charged during the day but also alleviates range anxiety for EV owners. Improving accessibility for your vehicle is on the rise because governments and private organizations have heavily invested in charging infrastructure in urban and semi-urban areas. Another benefit from being able to use public EV charging is saving time and money when using it in conjunction with home charging. Additionally, the efficiency and longevity of your vehicle and the EV charging station can benefit from understanding charging etiquette and safety.
Why Public EV Charging Is Important
The public charging of electric vehicles is fundamental to the adoption of electric mobility in India. While charging an EV at home is easy, it’s not possible for many owners, including those living in apartments, renting their property, or traveling long distances. Public charging stations make it easier and more reliable to charge during commutes, work trips, or long trips.
EV charging stations are helping businesses, fleet managers, and delivery services promote electric mobility without concern about range. Charging via a public site allow all EV owners to reduce downtime, reduce costs, and support a sustainable transportation ecosystem.
Step 1: Locate Public EV Charging Stations Near Me
The first step in using a public EV charging station is find the stations. Thankfully, there are now many charging stations being rolled out across India by leading companies including Tata Power EZ Charge, Ather Grid, and Fortum Charge & Drive, as well as from government operated networks.
Ways to find a EV charging station near me are:
Mobile Apps: Applications, such as PlugShare, Tata Power EZ Charge, Ather Grid, or the app created by my EV manufacturer, display real-time information about public EV charging stations, including station availability, type of chargers, and hours of operation/availability.
Maps: Many public EV charging stations are listed on Google Maps, some of which may provide real-time charging status.
Network Websites: Typically, companies operating public EV charging stations will have a station locator on their website with detailed information regarding charger types, compatible EVs, and any chargers fees.
Tip: To avoid wasting time or going out of your way, check to see if the charging station is operational before going to it.
Step 2: Verify Charger Type and Compatibility
Not every charger can charge each EV. It is essential to check which charger you’re using when planning EV public charging.
AC Chargers (Slow / Regular Charging) :
Type: Type 1, Type 2 or CCS connectors
Power: 3–22 kW
Best for longer parking durations like overnight charging, or when parked at the office, etc.
DC Fast Chargers (Rapid Charging)
Type: CCS2 or CHAdeMO
Power: 50–120 kW
Typically can charge 20–80% of capacity in 30-60 minutes.
Verify the charge type compatibility with your EV before heading to the public EV charging location. Generally, the app will show plug type and power.
Step 3: Register or Get Access
Public EV charging networks may require pre-registered or an RFID card to start a session.
Mobile App Registration: Signup with the EV and payment method. Most networks allow UPI, debit/credit cards, and digital wallets.
RFID Cards: Many networks still use RFID cards to authenticate and start moments of public EV charging.
Tip: Keep your app up to date and always connect to your EV account for optimum access to the public EV charging station.
Step 4: Initiating a Public EV Charging Session
Upon arriving at a EV charging facility:
- Park your EV in the designated space.
- Utilize the station’s cable or your own cable to connect your EV.
Use one of the following options to initiate the charging session:
- The mobile application (either scanning the QR code or tapping “Start Charging”)
The RFID credential
Most public EV charging stations will display your battery percentage, charge rate, and estimated time to completion. Some fast chargers will stop at 80%, to help protect your battery.
Step 5: Follow Along with Your EV Charging
It’s good to follow along your EV charging session:
- You can use an app or your EV’s dashboard to monitor the current battery state/IP.
- Apps also usually show charging speed, estimated time left to charge, and sometimes cost.
- For longer sessions, like AC charging overnight, make sure your vehicle is parked properly.
Tip: Try not to leave your EV unattended for long, especially in busy or high visibility locations.
Step 6: Ending a EV Charging Session
After your EV has reached the desired level:
- You will stop the session by the App or tapping the RFID to stop any charges.
- Disconnect the wire carefully.
- And replace the cable, where it was attached to the station, if it was provided, or just store in vehicles arrangement.
Some EV public charging stations charge by the kWh and some charge by time. Stopping the charge process can help you avoid unnecessary costs.
Step 7: Payment for EV Charging
Payment options vary by network.
App Payments: Most popular stations take UPI, cards and mobile wallets.
Subscription Plans: Certain networks offer a monthly subscription for flat-rate charged based on kWh of charging.
Promotional Discounts: Check for festival offers and loyalty programs to get promotional discounts for public EV charging.
Tip: Before starting to charge, always verify session fees — particularly true at DC fast charging stations.
Step 8: EV Charging Tips for Efficiency
Schedule Charging Stops: Consider using apps to identify public EV charging locations along your route when you are on a long journey.
Reserve Chargers: Some charging apps offer booking a charging slot so you don’t have to queue, etc.
Safety:
- Do not use wet chargers or damaged cables.
- Do not insert a connector into the EV port if it does not slide in easily.
Real-time availability: Some charging apps will show you a EV charging station as busy or available.
Step 9: Benefits of EV Charging
Convenience: You can charge while at work, shopping, or when traveling.
Cost Savings: Avoid sticker shock by implementing a subscription plan or paying based on kWh to ease costs.
Network expansion: EV charging stations create a demand for more EV charging infrastructure.
Reduced travel delays: DC fast charging minimizes your downtime while traveling.
Sustainability: By supporting EV charging, you are helping India’s decarbonization effort as it facilitates lower emissions and decreases dependency on fossil fuels.
The Future of EV Charging in India
India’s EV infrastructure is evolving quickly:
Government Support: Programs like FAME II are promoting EV charging networks across metro cities and highways.
Ultra-Fast Chargers: Tata Power, Magenta, and Fortum are launching high-speed DC chargers to speed up public EV charging.
Integrated Apps: Most EVs come equipped with in-built navigation systems for finding public EV charging points.
By learning how to utilize public EV charging efficiently, EV owners can have easy travel, reduced expenses, and become part of a sustainable transport system.
Conclusion
Utilizing public EV charging stations nearby is simple once you’ve learned the process. From finding a station to tracking and paying for a session, getting the procedure right means fast, safe, and affordable charging. As India’s electric mobility network expands, learning public EV charging is crucial for any EV owner—whether driving daily, operating a business fleet, or taking long trips.