Widespread availability of charging points makes EV ownership hassle-free

Any owner of an electric vehicle (EV) in Bengaluru does not need to be too concerned about finding a charging point. The reason is that Bengaluru, India’s tech hub, is leading the way in EV charging. The city has over 4,400 charging stations, thus making up 85 percent of Karnataka’s EV network. This positions Bengaluru as the top city for EV infrastructure not just in the state, but in the country.

According to the Ministry of Power, Government of India, as of February 2, 2024, there were 12,146 operational public EV charging stations throughout the country, up from 6,586 public charging stations as of March 21, 2023. This ensures the peace of mind for an EV owner.

There’s no dearth of factors driving the city’s EV success. The FAME India schemes and the current PM E-DRIVE scheme, which promote electric mobility, have played a significant role. In addition to these, the investments made by the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) and the proactive government policies from 2017 have also strengthened Bengaluru’s EV infrastructure.

The Karnataka government itself has been playing a crucial role in expanding the EV charging networks. By creating policies and investing in charging stations, the government has made it easier for people to switch to EVs. The city plans to keep growing its network, ensuring that the charging stations are easily accessible. Public-private partnerships have also been essential. These collaborations have led to a quicker deployment of innovative charging solutions.

EV adoption has been slow to pick up. The chief reason for the slow pick-up is “range anxiety,” or the fear of running out of battery power. Bengaluru’s widespread charging network has eased this worry. Now, residents feel more confident about using EVs, knowing they have plenty of charging options.

Bengaluru’s dedication to electric mobility is shaping the future of EVs across India. Other cities are taking note and aiming to follow Bengaluru’s example. Public-private partnerships will continue to play a big part in the city’s EV journey. These partnerships are key to fostering innovation and ensuring Bengaluru remains a leader in the EV movement.

The other cities have some way to go. The number of public charging stations in Delhi now stands at 1757 charging stations, while Mumbai is said to have only 457 charging stations.

Bengaluru’s strong EV charging infrastructure is setting a powerful example for the rest of India. The city’s focus on sustainable transportation is leading to a cleaner future. As the EV network continues to grow, Bengaluru is poised to remain a leader in the country’s electric vehicle revolution.

(Neeraj Manchanda is the founder of ZUGE Electric, India’s first multi-brand EV platform in the MetaVerse)