India is making significant progress in keeping up with the global electric vehicle revolution. This drive is motivated by pressing concerns about global warming, energy security, and governmental incentives. However, one of the most critical issues that affect how fast people adopt electric vehicles in India is the availability of charging stations, especially on major highways and intercity routes.
Despite the current situation, India as a country has made noticeable progress in developing electric vehicle charging stations around major highways. This progress has been achieved with the help of key players, and our aim here is to tell you about the locations of these charging stations so that you can undertake your next EV road trip without range anxiety.
Need for electric vehicle charging stations
India’s road network stretches over six million kilometres, and the national highways that connect major states and cities are the biggest. Electric vehicles in India need a reliable charging station network to become a practical choice for consumers, especially when travelling between states.
Charging stations calm people’s range anxieties and encourage everyone to replace their internal combustion vehicles with electric vehicles. The government and private companies are collaborating to make these charging stations available along national highways.
The key players in the electric vehicle charging station ecosystem
Several private organisations have taken on the responsibility of establishing electric vehicle charging stations across India. Some of the most prominent players in this game are:
- Tata Power EZ charge: TATA is among the largest players in the electric car industry in India, which is why it remains one of the biggest networks of electric vehicle chargers. They cover both highways and urban areas.
- Fortum Charge and Drive: These charging stations are known for offering fast-charging options for electric cars that support it as they cover national highways.
- Magenta charge grid: This company is focused on expanding charging stations, mostly in cities and on national highways that connect them.
- Ather grid: Ather grids specialize in fast-charging stations, specifically Ather electric vehicles, but they are open to other electric cars that use the same plug point.
- Charge zone: One of the fastest-growing current networks focusing on long-distance electric vehicles.
- Zeon charging: It is another fast-growing network stretching across urban centres and major routes.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Along Major Routes
Here is a thorough look at the changing electric vehicle infrastructure along some of India’s biggest highways:
- Delhi-Chandigarh Highway (NH4)
This route is one of the most well-connected regarding charging stations. Companies like Tata Power EZ Charge and Fortum Charge and Drive have consistently helped set up many stations, such as at Karnal, Murthal, and Ambala. These stations offer slow and fast charging and ensure electric vehicle owners can charge their cars fully before they take off.
- Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH48)
- Bengaluru-Chennai Highway (NH44)
This route comes equipped with Tata Power EZ charge and Ather Grid charging stations. Charging points are located at key points like Krishnagiri and Vellore to make it easy for EV users to travel between these two major cities.
- Yamuna expressway (NH2)
If you are travelling on the Yamuna Expressway using an EV, you should refill near Greater Noida, as there are charging stations available at the beginning of the expressway. You can also find some charging stations available near Agra or at the end of the expressway, ensuring that travellers can recharge before they enter the city.
- Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (NE4)
While the route between Vadodra and Udaipur offers many options for charging EVs, the Delhi Mumbai expressway offers a far superior experience for EV drivers. At this point there are fast-charging electric vehicle charging stations every fifty kilometres to make the journey hassle-free.
- Delhi-Jaipur Highway (NH48)
The Delhi-Jaipur Highway features many charging stations at Manesar, Behror, and Neemrana that have been set up by Tata Power EZ Charge and Fortum Charge and Drive. These stations ensure that every EV user can travel between the two cities without worrying about running out of range.
- Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway (NH48)
This route has stations supported by Tata Power EZ charge and Chargezone that are located in Bharuch, Vapi, and Surat. These stations cater to a wide range of growing Electric vehicles that travel between Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Hyderabad-Vijayawada Highway (NH65)
These charging stations reside along Nalgonda and Suryapet. They have been set up by Ather Grid and Tata Power EZ charge to make this route completely EV-friendly. These stations are placed strategically to provide quick charges for long-distance travellers.
- Chennai-Pondicherry Highway (NH32)
This is one of the most scenic routes you can travel through, and now, with the help of Ather Grid and Tata Power EZ Charge, it is also completely EV-friendly. The stations along these routes have been set up along Mahabalipuram and Chengalpattu. These stations provide access to slow and fast charge options and cater to tourists and daily commuters.
- Kolkata-Durgapur Highway (NH19)
People who live in Kolkata can get electric vehicles, too, because there are many charging stations around West Bengal. But this route is very popular among tourists and businessmen, so it has been made EV-friendly by Tata Power EZ Charge and Fortum Charge and Drive.
- Pune-Nashik Highway (NH60)
This route is supported by charging stations at Sinnar and Narayangaon with the help of Tata Power EZ Charge and Chargezone. These stations cater to the ever-growing number of electric vehicles travelling between Pune and Nashik.
- Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway (NH275)
Tata Power EZ Charge and Ather Grid have set up charging stations at Ramanagara and Mandaya. These stations ensure EV users can travel between Bengaluru and Mysuru without problems.
Challenges and the future of EVs
While people commend these companies for setting up electric vehicle charging stations in India along major routes, there are other challenges to be met by the manufacturers and government.
These challenges include standard chargers, power consistency in remote areas, and companies adopting fast-charging technology. The costs of setting up electric vehicle charging stations are also exceptionally high and require a skilled workforce trained in such infrastructure.
The Indian government has taken positive steps such as establishing the FAME-II scheme and partnering with private organisations. Companies like Magenta, Fortum, and TATA Power are playing a crucial role in ensuring the expansion of this network. Moreover, implementing renewable energy sources such as wind and solar-powered charging stations can further the aim of sustainability for India.
