The great Indian family road trip has always been part of family culture; however, for many families, those days are over. The age-old question of the backseat traveler, “Are we there yet?” now comes with another worry, “Will we make it to that charging station in time?” This is the new family reality traveling in an electric vehicle (EV). According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the Indian automobile market sold over 90,000 EV vehicles in FY2024.
While range anxiety still exists, government support and private investment are accelerating improvements to the country’s infrastructure. Public charging stations are changing from an exciting, rare surprise stop to a planned pitstop. Inter-city travel with family, traditionally a very limited phenomenon in EVs, is becoming a reality, even though it’s still not a completely sooth dance between travelers and the time required to charge the vehicle. Our new way of thinking about our trips is now, thinking about how to plan to the next charge station, not just how to plan on getting to the destination. For families especially, understanding how to operate under this new system in relation to your trip is key to a smooth- and stress-free experience.
The Indian EV Charging Landscape: A Snapshot
Before we hit the road, it’s crucial to understand the playing field. According to the Ministry of Power, Government of India, in early 2024, there were over 12,000 public EV charging station points operational across the country. This number is growing rapidly, driven by government initiatives like the FAME India Scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) and private sector investment.
Major players like Tata Power, which boasts one of the largest networks, alongside others like Statiq, Zeon, and Reliance BP Pulse, are aggressively expanding the grid. Most of these are concentrated on national highways connecting major metros. For instance, the Delhi-Jaipur highway, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and the Chennai-Bengaluru corridor are now well-served. The typical public charging station you’ll encounter offers a mix of DC fast chargers (CCS2, CHAdeMO) and slower AC chargers.
Pre-Journey Planning: Your Digital Co-Pilot
A family trip, EV or not, thrives on planning. For an EV journey, this planning revolves around the charging station.
- Map Your Route and Identify Charging Hubs: Don’t rely on a single app. Use a combination of your car’s native infotainment system (if it has live data), and dedicated apps like Tata Power EZ Charge, Statiq, or PlugShare. These apps show you the exact location, type of charger (AC/DC), speed (kW), and most importantly, real-time availability and user reviews. Look for a charging station located near amenities a food court, a shopping complex, or a park. This transforms a 45-minute stop from a waiting game into a pleasant break.
- The “Buffer Charging Station” Approach: You should never plan to arrive at your next planned charging station with just 5% battery. You should identify at least one backup charging option in a 20-30 km range.
- Payment Readiness: Unlike at a fuel pump, which accepts cash, credit and debit cards, and has their app payment options, at a public charging station there is no guarantee of accepting all these payment methods. Some charge directly with a credit/debit card, but most stations won’t take cards without first using their app, usually a pre-payment wallet or linked UPI. Before you leave, download the major apps, complete the registration, and add a small amount to your wallets. The last thing you want with tired kids in the car is to fumble with app downloads and OTPs at the charging station.
The On-the-Road Experience: Planning Matters
Visiting a public charging station is a different experience compared to refueling a conventional vehicle.
- Example of a Typical Stop: A common approach is to plan a major stop at a well-equipped station, such as a Tata Power charging point located at a highway plaza. Many stations feature fast chargers, like the CCS2 units, making the process straightforward. Drivers can plug in, scan the QR code via the Tata Power EZ Charge app, and start the session. Both the vehicle dashboard and the app display the charging status and estimated completion time. Although a car can achieve 200 km of range in under 40 minutes, time can also be spent productively. Many charging locations are located in plazas offering food options, bookstores, or free Wi-Fi access; therefore, it is possible to plan for short breaks instead of waiting in your car.
- Preparation Suggestions: Carry a small kit with things for a 30-60 minute stop, which include snacks, a book, and any simple activities if you are traveling with others.
- Safety and Courtesy: Charging stations are not play areas! Users should not handle wires/cables/chargers except when plugging in or as instructed, and be considerate to other EV drivers. When you finish charging, be prompt in moving your vehicle so it can be used once again.
The Realities and How to Handle Them
Despite the best planning, you might face challenges. Not every charging station is created equal.
- The Non-Functional Charging Station: It happens. You arrive, and the charger is out of order. This is where your backup charging station plan saves the day. User reviews on apps like PlugShare are invaluable here, often providing real-time updates on a charger’s health.
- The Occupied Charging Station: With EV adoption rising, a popular charging station can be busy. If you have to wait, use the time. Let the kids use a restroom, or have a drink. Politely asking the current user how much longer they might be is acceptable. The EV community in India is generally friendly and helpful.
- The Slow Charging Station: Sometimes, a DC fast charging station might be delivering power slower than its rated capacity due to grid issues or the car’s battery temperature. Factor this unpredictability into your time buffer. A planned 45-minute stop might become an hour. This is where having activities and amenities becomes non-negotiable.
The Bigger Picture: A Glimpse into the Future
The government of India is working to install charging stations every 25 km on major highways in their area. Companies are investing in ultra-fast charging technology that can lead to a drastic reduction in charging times. With aspects of battery swapping stations promoted by firms like Sun Mobility, that can cater to certain models of vehicles, will decrease the time it takes to charge a vehicle to the same speed as refueling.
For a family, the evolution of the charging station into a “mobility hub” is the most exciting prospect. Imagine a charging station with dedicated play areas, clean lounges, and a variety of food and retail options. This transforms the necessary stop into a highlight of the trip.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
Travelling with your family in an EV requires a new rhythm. You are no longer just a driver; you are an itinerary manager, a technology navigator, and an activity planner. The humble public charging station is the pivot around which this new rhythm revolves.
By embracing the need to plan, by choosing the right charging station with family-friendly amenities, and by viewing the charging time as an opportunity to break the monotony of travel, you can discover a more relaxed way to journey. Our trip to Jaipur was slower than it would have been in a fossil-fuel car, but it was also more engaging. We talked more, we explored little highway plazas we would have otherwise sped past, and we arrived feeling less fatigued. The public charging station is not a hurdle; it’s your new pit stop for making memories. So, plug in, power up, and let the family adventure begin.