As India accelerates towards an electric mobility future, the spotlight is shifting from just expanding the EV fleet to ensuring that the power charging it is as clean as the vehicles themselves. With a rapidly growing EV adoption curve, the challenge is to avoid simply replacing tailpipe emissions with smokestack pollution from coal-fired power plants. This is where renewable integration—particularly solar and wind—emerges as the decisive factor in making India’s EV journey truly sustainable.
In a recent interview, Rashmi interacted with Krishna K Jasti, Founder & CEO, EVRE, and discussed how renewable-powered charging, battery storage solutions, and smart energy management can redefine India’s EV charging ecosystem. Jasti underscored that pairing EV chargers with clean energy not only cuts carbon emissions but also eases grid stress and reduces operational costs over the long term.
From solar-powered charging hubs at Bengaluru Airport to rooftop PV-driven setups at Gujarat’s Sachivalaya, and solar-enabled public charging stations in Chandigarh, Jasti highlighted how pilot projects across the country are already proving the model’s feasibility. Battery storage, he explained, acts as a critical buffer—ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 charging access, particularly in regions with unstable grids, while also enabling off-grid deployments in rural and semi-urban India.
Looking ahead to 2030, Jasti envisions a future where renewable-backed EV hubs become active energy assets, supporting vehicle-to-grid integration, balancing loads, and bringing clean mobility to both cities and remote areas. With the right blend of policy incentives, technological innovation, and public-private collaboration, India could lead the world in building a clean, resilient, and inclusive EV charging network.
Why is the integration of renewable energy sources critical for the long-term sustainability of EV charging infrastructure in India?
As more Indians shift to electric vehicles, we must ensure that the energy powering them is as clean as the vehicles themselves. If EVs are charged using electricity generated from coal or other fossil fuels, we are just moving pollution from the roads to the power plants. This is where renewable energy especially solar and wind can make a real difference. By pairing EV charging with clean energy we reduce the load on the grid, cut carbon emissions and make the entire system more cost-effective in the long run. India has an incredible advantage here with vast solar potential across the country and strong wind corridors in states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Tapping into both ensures we build an EV charging infrastructure that’s not just future- ready but truly sustainable from end to end.
How is battery storage helping balance grid loads and ensuring 24/7 EV charging access, especially in regions with power instability?
Battery storage acts as a buffer between EV chargers and the grid. It allows energy especially to be stored and used later when demand is high or when the grid is unstable. This is particularly important in areas where power cuts or voltage fluctuations are common. By integrating battery storage with EV charging stations, we can ensure uninterrupted charging access, reduce peak load stress on the grid and even enable off-grid or hybrid charging setups. For fleet operators or public charging points in remote locations this ensures that EVs are always ready to go regardless of grid reliability. Importantly, this stored energy doesn’t always have to come from the grid, battery systems can also be paired with renewable sources like solar power enabling a cleaner more resilient and self-sustaining EV charging ecosystem.
Can you elaborate on any real-world projects or pilots in India where solar or wind energy has been successfully paired with EV chargers?
Yes, India is witnessing several successful pilot projects that combine renewable energy especially solar with EV charging infrastructure, demonstrating both feasibility and long term potential. One notable example is the solar powered EV charging station at Bengaluru Airport, which uses rooftop solar panels paired with second-life EV batteries to offer 24/7 clean charging access. This setup showcases how circular energy practices can meet mobility demands while easing grid pressure.
In Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Tata Power Solar implemented a solar-integrated EV charging station at the Secretariat, powered by a 50 kW rooftop PV system. It serves as a model for institutional buildings looking to decarbonise transport infrastructure.
Chandigarh has also initiated a plan to power four public EV charging stations entirely through rooftop solar installations on government buildings and parking areas—aiming for grid independence and lower operational costs.
Additionally, Karnataka’s energy department has developed solar integrated EV charging hubs like the one at BESCOM’s Galamma Circle station, supporting high-footfall public charging needs with cleaner energy inputs.
While wind integration is still in early stages due to infrastructure and siting challenges, the potential for hybrid renewable powered charging stations is strong in states like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, which have both high wind and solar potential. These pilots are paving the way for scalable models of clean EV charging that are more resilient, cost-effective and grid-friendly setting the foundation for a truly sustainable mobility ecosystem in India.
What are the key technical and financial challenges in setting up renewable-powered EV charging stations with battery backup systems?
Setting up renewable powered EV charging stations with battery backup presents several challenges both technical and financial.
On the technical side, integrating variable renewable sources like solar or wind with charging demand requires a robust energy management system (EMS) to balance generation, storage and usage in real-time. Battery sizing, inverter compatibility, load balancing and ensuring seamless grid or off-grid transitions can also complicate deployment especially in high-demand urban or remote rural settings.
Financially, the upfront cost is much higher than a regular grid-connected charger. You are not just paying for a charger you are also investing in solar panels, batteries, power electronics and intelligent software to manage the load. While these costs are coming down and government incentives can help, the initial investment can still be a barrier for smaller businesses or local authorities.
Additionally, financing models and clarity around longterm power purchase agreements, especially for distributed solar are still evolving making it harder for investors to evaluate risk and return. That said, the outlook is getting brighter. Battery costs are falling, solar-powered charging is expanding and policies are evolving to support green infrastructure. With the right technology, financing and policy frameworks, renewable powered EV charging stations with battery backup can move from promising pilot projects to mainstream infrastructure
How do energy management systems (EMS) and smart charging technologies enhance the efficiency of renewable-integrated EV charging stations?
Energy Management Systems and smart charging technologies are the silent heroes behind clean and efficient EV charging especially when solar or wind power is involved. Think of EMS as the brain of the operation. It constantly keeps an eye on how much clean energy is being generated, how much is being used, how full the batteries are and what the grid is demanding. When the sun is shining and solar panels are producing extra power, the EMS stores that energy in on-site batteries. Later, during peak hours like evenings when electricity is expensive and demand is high it switches to using that stored energy to charge EVs. This smart switch helps reduce pressure on the grid and keeps costs down.
Now add smart charging to the mix. These chargers are not just plug-and-play they can speed up or slow down charging depending on things like real-time electricity prices, grid conditions or even user preferences. It’s like cruise control for EV charging, making sure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Together, EMS and smart charging turn an EV hub into more than just a place to plug in. These hubs become active players in the energy ecosystem saving money for operators, improving grid reliability, and even protecting EV batteries by avoiding overcharging. Looking ahead, they could even give energy back to the grid through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) programs helping out when the system is under pressure.
From a policy perspective, what incentives or regulatory support is needed to encourage wider adoption of this hybrid charging model?
To accelerate adoption of renewable-powered EV charging with battery backup, India needs targeted policy interventions that address both the high upfront costs and the technical integration challenges of this hybrid model.
- Capital Subsidies: Provide upfront financial support for setting up solar panels, batteries, and EMS systems like what’s done under rooftop solar or FAME.
- Banking of Renewable Energy: Let operators store excess solar power in the grid and use it later reducing dependence on batteries. This can also be used to balance the grid.
- Access to Green Finance: Encourage banks to offer low-interest loans and flexible financing specifically for hybrid EV charging infrastructure.
- Incentives for Performance: Reward stations that use more renewable energy or help reduce grid load during peak hours.
- Mandates in Urban Planning: Make hybrid EV charging a part of building rules for malls, offices, and residential complexes in cities and towns.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Support pilot projects and deployments through PPP models to test and scale this hybrid approach faster.
- Policy Support: Create practical guidelines for hybrid charging solutions in urban and rural buildings.
How are advancements in lithium-ion and emerging battery chemistries impacting the feasibility and scalability of storage-backed EV chargers?
Advancements in lithium-ion and emerging battery chemistries are making storage-backed EV charging hubs more practical, scalable and affordable than ever before. Lithium-ion batteries especially lithium iron phosphate variants have become more energy dense, safer and longer lasting. This makes them ideal for stationary storage at EV charging stations, where reliability and lifecycle costs matter. These batteries now charge faster, tolerate more charge discharge cycles and are less prone to overheating key for supporting round-the-clock charging demand.
Another important consideration is battery costs have dropped dramatically. In the past decade, lithium-ion battery prices have fallen by over 80%, making large scale storage far more feasible for public and private charging operators. This cost reduction directly improves return on investment for hybrid charging models that integrate solar and battery storage.
Meanwhile, newer chemistries like sodium-ion and solid state batteries are emerging with promising features. Sodium-ion batteries, for example are less resource intensive and work well in hot climates, making them a strong candidate for Indian conditions. Solid-state batteries, though still in development, could offer even higher energy densities with improved safety.
These innovations are expanding the possibilities for modular, off-grid or semi-grid charging setups especially in areas with unstable or limited grid infrastructure. Storage-backed chargers can now operate more independently, charge during solar hours and discharge during peak evening hours all while helping the grid stay stable. In short, better, cheaper and more versatile batteries are turning renewable powered EV charging hubs from a niche experiment into a scalable solution one that can grow with India’s EV ambitions.
What role do DISCOMs and private energy players play in supporting renewable- powered EV charging infrastructure across urban and rural India?
DISCOMs and private energy players are key enablers in scaling renewable-powered EV charging infrastructure across India both in cities and rural areas. In urban India, where electricity demand is already high, DISCOMs play a critical role in helping charging hubs integrate with the grid. They facilitate approvals, manage local grid upgrades and increasingly offer special EV charging tariffs or time-of-day pricing to encourage smart energy use. Some forward thinking DISCOMs are even collaborating on pilot projects where solar energy, storage, and EV charging are managed together ensuring that clean energy supports clean mobility.
In rural or semi-urban areas, DISCOM involvement becomes even more vital. Grid reliability may be weaker here and renewable-powered charging especially solar with battery backup can bridge the gap. DISCOMs can support this shift by providing grid access where possible and streamlining connectivity for decentralized, off-grid charging models. On the other hand, private energy players like solar EPCs, battery storage providers and energy as a service companies bring agility, innovation and investment. They build and operate hybrid charging setups, deploy smart energy management systems and design flexible business models like pay-per-use or leasing that make adoption easier for smaller fleet operators or rural entrepreneurs. The best results happen when DISCOMs and private players work together where utilities provide stable policy and infrastructure support and private companies accelerate execution on the ground.
Are there any economic benefits for fleet operators or public transport agencies in adopting solar+storage-based EV charging systems?
Absolutely there are several strong economic benefits for fleet operators and public transport agencies when they adopt solar + battery storage-based EV charging systems.
- Lower Long-Term Energy Costs – By generating their own solar power, operators reduce reliance on expensive grid electricity especially during peak Stored solar energy can be used even at night or during outages, avoiding costly peak demand charges.
- Greater Cost Predictability – Once installed, solar and battery systems provide stable, predictable energy pricing over This shields operators from fuel price volatility and rising grid tariffs.
- Reduced Downtime – Battery backups ensure charging can continue even during power cuts critical for fleets on tight schedules. This reliability improves asset utilization and fleet
- Faster ROI with Incentives – Capital costs can be offset by government subsidies like FAME or state-level solar schemes, accelerated depreciation or tax incentives. For public transport agencies, green financing and concessional loans can improve ROI timelines.
- Demand Management & Load Shifting – Energy can be stored during off-peak periods and used when demand is high, avoiding hefty peak Smart energy management systems further optimize energy use and costs.
- Branding & ESG Benefits – Transitioning to clean energy supports corporate sustainability goals. Public transport agencies gain public goodwill and meet green mobility mandates more
In short, solar + storage-based charging is not just a green choice it’s becoming a smart financial strategy for any operator with high EV usage and a long-term vision.
Looking ahead to 2030, how do you see the synergy between renewables, battery storage, and EV charging shaping India’s clean mobility landscape?
Looking ahead to 2030, the synergy between renewables, battery storage and EV charging is set to be a cornerstone of India’s clean mobility revolution.
Here’s how this triad will shape the future.
- EVs will be fueled by the Sun and Wind – As solar and wind become cheaper and more widespread, EV charging will increasingly be powered by clean This will drastically reduce the carbon footprint of electric mobility especially when integrated with on-site solar generation.
- Battery storage will enable 24/7 green charging – Batteries will store surplus renewable energy during the day and make it available for EVs at night or during grid outages. This ensures energy reliability, even in areas with weak grid infrastructure.
- Charging hubs will act as decentralized energy assets – EV charging stations will evolve from being passive consumers to active players in the energy ecosystem. With smart energy management and bi-directional charging (V2G), these hubs can respond to grid needs balancing loads, reducing peaks and even feeding energy back into the
- Rural & urban access will improve – Battery-backed renewable charging makes it feasible to deploy chargers in off-grid or underserved areas, bridging the urban-rural EV adoption gap and enabling cleaner transport options for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
- Fleets will lead the shift– Public transport and commercial fleets will increasingly adopt solar + storage to cut operational costs, meet ESG goals and align with government This will have a multiplier effect on adoption, infrastructure buildout and innovation.
- Policy & Tech will evolve together – By 2030, India’s policies, grid planning and market mechanisms will likely support this integration with incentives for solar-based EV charging, energy trading models and infrastructure standards that encourage smart, decentralized systems.
In essence, this convergence will not only accelerate EV adoption but also decarbonize. India’s transport and power sectors in parallel making clean mobility not just a possibility, but the default.