In efforts to keep Punjab one step ahead in evolving technology, the Punjab government has been discussing to set up a centre of excellence (CoE) for ramping up electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the state.
New and Renewable Energy Sources Minister Aman Arora said that he has held deliberations with stakeholder departments, including transport, PWD, technical education and industrial training, investment promotion, skill development, tourism, PSPCL, housing & urban development and local government in this regard.
He directed the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) to tie up with IIT- Ropar to set up a centre of excellence (COE) for skill development, training, education, standards testing and enhancement of battery technology, besides asking to form a working group of administrative secretaries of the state government for implementation of electric vehicles policy in a smooth & streamlined manner.
Highlighting the need of integration of all stakeholder departments for implementation of EV policy in the state, Arora said that the state government will achieve the target of penetration of 25% electric vehicles by 2025. It is the need of tie hour to establish an accessible and robust network of EV charging infrastructure for making the transition to e-mobility. This will not only bring the state a step closer to the net-zero mission but will also help in innovating the transportation sector of the country.
Principal Secretary (Power) Tejveer Singh assured the cabinet minister that PSPCL shall provide full support for fast clearance of electricity connection to proposed EV charging stations in the state.
Chief executive officer (PEDA) Ravi Bhagat said that there is a requirement for integration of EV charging infrastructure with addition of renewable energy sources, so that the green power can be fed into the EV charging stations to develop robust infrastructure in Punjab. The new technologies related to manufacturing of EV & fast charging batteries shall be taken up in consultation with IIT-Ropar.
CEO, Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Company (PMIDC), Isha Kalia said that the CoE will act as a bridge to develop a resilient e-charging infrastructure for widespread acceptance of electric vehicles in Punjab.
Director (PEDA) M P Singh briefed about the importance of use of electric vehicles and road map to ramp up the EV charging infrastructure in the state.