The Ministry of Power has announced amended recommendations for EV charging infrastructure. These guidelines are part of an ongoing effort to facilitate India’s transition to electric mobility. The revised rules will replace previous versions provided since January 2018 and are intended to meet the interests of diverse stakeholders while maintaining a strong and effective charging infrastructure network.
The revised guidelines apply to various locations, including private parking spaces, office buildings, educational institutions, hospitals, group housing societies, bus depots, and public places like commercial complexes, railway stations, petrol pumps, airports, metro stations, shopping arcades, municipal parking, highways, and expressways. The main objectives of these guidelines are to promote the faster adoption of EVs by ensuring safe, reliable, and accessible charging infrastructure, standardizing service charges, supporting the creation of charging infrastructure and preparing the electrical distribution system for the increased load from EV charging.
The guidelines define several key terms related to EV charging infrastructure. A Battery Charging Station (BCS) is where EV batteries are recharged, while a Battery Swapping Station (BSS) allows for the replacement of discharged batteries with charged ones. A Captive Charging Station (CCS) serves vehicles owned or controlled by the charging station owner. The guidelines also introduce the roles of the Central Nodal Agency (CNA) and Charge Point Operator (CPO), who are responsible for the rollout and operation of public EV charging infrastructure, respectively. Additionally, a Charger Management System (CMS) is essential for monitoring and optimizing charging operations.
Community Charging Stations are designated for use by residents and authorized visitors in residential areas. Public Charging Stations (PCS) are available for any EV to recharge. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of using Indian Standards for EV charging equipment and encourage the integration of renewable energy sources like solar carports with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to provide sustainable and independent charging solutions.
The implementation of the guidelines involves various agencies, including the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which acts as the Central Nodal Agency. State Nodal Agencies (SNA) are responsible for facilitating electricity connections for charging stations and ensuring the implementation of the guidelines within their states. The guidelines also outline the establishment of a Steering Committee to review the progress of implementation quarterly.
The revised guidelines are designed to address the evolving needs of the EV market and ensure a coordinated and efficient approach to developing EV charging infrastructure across India. By standardizing processes and involving various stakeholders, the guidelines aim to create a supportive environment for the growth of electric mobility, ultimately contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the promotion of sustainable transportation solutions.