Every mind of today’s population is busy with thoughts, questions and solutions with so many ideas. And if you have an electric vehicle with you, then the question of “How to open an electric car charging station in India” often pops up in your mind. Isn’t it?
Well, India is considered the third-largest market for Electric Vehicles (EVs) on a global basis, and the Indian government is proactively facilitating the usage of electric vehicles with the help of several initiatives.
However, there are several EV demo cars in the market that you can look after and test drive in order to get an immense understanding of their features.
In order to sustain the development of EVs, arranging the EV charging stations is important. Hence, the Indian government has been elevating faster adoption of electric vehicles and EV charging stations all across the country.
Every individual can establish EV charging stations in parking lots or on public roads in order to provide charging services for EVs to various people. Let’s find out how you can open an electric car charging station in India seamlessly and hassle-free.
Varieties of EV Charging Stations
In pushing e-mobility, the installation of EV charging stations will be a huge step forward. When thinking about how to open an electric car charging station in India, you would have come across a variety of EV charging stations.
Apart from this, there are several racing cars or sports cars that are charged electrically and don’t require petrol or diesel.
Hence, installing an EV charging station in relevant areas will help these sportspersons charge their vehicles easily on public roads during their racing event.
Well, there are three kinds of electric charging stations that anyone can consider. Let’s get to know about them in a more suitable way:
1. DC Charging Stations
DC charging stations are commercial charging stations that host only DC chargers in order to provide fast charging to commercial vehicles such as trucks, cars, and buses.
This variety of charging stations needs a big investment for setting up multiple DC chargers, a constant power supply in massive amounts, and several others.
2. AC Charging Stations
This alternative is considered the best suitable for charging two or three-wheelers and is generally less expensive than opening a charging station for fast charging.
You don’t need anything extra to set up a consistent EV AC charger and the demanded power supply. The only problem you will meet with an AC charging station is slow charging.
3. AC and DC Charging Stations
This is another charging station that offers both slow and fast charging structures for all kinds of EV 2/3/4 wheelers with the help of AC and DC chargers of various capabilities.
On the basis of time and convenience availability, EV owners can seamlessly opt for both slow charging via an AC charger and fast charging via a DC charger.
The profiles of all these charging stations are distinct from each other. As a result, you are required to make a smart decision in order to avail maximum advantages and run various kinds of troubling conditions, particularly upon monetary terms.
Key References for Installing EV Charging Stations
There are several Tata Electric Cars in India that give perfect mileage, have perfect features, with affordable prices. Hence, these cars need EV charging stations at multiple locations so that they don’t get into a problem in any conditions.
But before you set up an EV charging station, you will need to think carefully about how to open an electric car charging station in India while considering some of the key references.
These key considerations are mentioned below in a comprehensive way:
1. Location
As EVs are considered one of the top-selling cars in India, the location of an Electric Vehicle charging station is important and it needs to be accessible and convenient easily to EV owners.
You must keep in mind some of the key factors when selecting a location for EV charging stations such as nearness to highways, residential areas, commercial areas, and other prevalent destinations.
2. Charging Speed
There are different electric vehicles that have distinct charging requirements, and it is crucial to ensure that the charging stations are able to cater to a wide spectrum of EVs.
Fast charging stations are exemplary for long-distance or highway charging whereas slower charging stations are more suitable for commercial or residential areas.
3. Power Supply
The power supply is way too important for any charging station that needs to be installed. These are plugged directly into a classic 120 VAC platform that furnishes 1.3 kW to 2.4 kW average power output.
The charging stations need to be linked to a dedicated power supply, and the electrical capability of the site needs to be adequate in order to sustain the charging station’s power necessities.
4. Charging Measures
There are multiple charging measures for electric vehicles including CHAdeMO, CCS, and others. It is crucial to determine a charging station that is consistent with a wide variety of electric vehicles and charging benchmarks.
5. Business Model
There are various business models for installing EV charging stations such as pay-per-use, advertising-based, and subscription-based. It is crucial to choose a business model that is financially sustainable and viable.
Charging Norms for Electric Vehicles in India
There are certain charging standards for electric vehicles and how to open an electric car charging station in India depends on these norms and benchmarks. Let’s learn more about them in a bit more detail. All these charging norms for EVs in India are mentioned below:
» Bharat DC 001: This is a fast-charging benchmark that has been developed by the Indian government and is used for charging two and three-wheeler vehicles. This benchmark needs a charging rate of up to 15 kW and requires a charging connector with a 15A/48V DC rating.
» Bharat AC 001: This benchmark is also developed by the Indian government and is used for charging electric buses and cars. It requires a charging rate of up to 15 kW and makes use of a Type 2 connector for AC charging.
» CCS (Combined Charging System): CCS is an international charging benchmark that is used for fast charging of electric vehicles. It makes use of a Type 2 connector for AC charging and a CCS connector for DC fast charging. CCS charging stations are able to supply 350 kW of charging power.
» CHAdeMO: CHAdeMO is a fast-charging benchmark that was developed in Japan by the Japanese government and is used by multiple EV manufacturers. It makes use of a CHAdeMO connector for DC fast charging and is able to supply up to 62.5 kW of charging power.
Is a License Obligatory for an EV Charging Station in India?
When thinking about installing an EV charging station dealership in India, everyone comes across several queries and doubts among which one of the most common confusion is that, “Is a license mandatory for installing an EV charging station in India?” Let’s find out the answer to this question in a precise way.
Never confuse yourself with the EV charging station license and driving license as both are entirely different from each other. Driving licenses are required when you are driving your car on the public road but a charging station license is required to open an EV charging station across India.
Well, having a license for setting up an EV charging station will be a good option one should go for. However, the Indian government has stated that every individual is able to install an EV charging station without any license across the country.
Nevertheless, these individuals should meet the technical requirements and understand the guidelines and policies that are provided by the Government of India for installing an EV charging station in the country.
Top EV Charging Station Dealership Providers in India
When it comes to how to open an electric car charging station in India, it is not that hard to find a certified electric vehicle charging station dealership that continuously stays willing to provide all the mandated services and tools in order to install a charging station seamlessly.
These dealers also provide several used EV cars in India at the most affordable prices. There are several dealerships such as used car dealers in Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Gurgaon, etc.
There is a list of top EV charging station dealership providers or EV charging station franchise in India that are mentioned as follows:
» Tata Power — Mumbai
» Servotech Power Systems — Delhi
» Charge My Gaddi — Delhi
» Charge + Zone — Vadodara
» EVQ Point — Bengaluru
» Dyna Hi-tech Power Systems — Mumbai
» Exicom Power System — Gurgaon
Also Read:- Used Cars in Mumbai.
Government Policies and Guidelines for Electric Charging Station Franchise
The Central Government has issued guidelines regarding how to open an electric car charging station in India that include the following electric vehicle charging station requirements in India:
» Setting up an EV charging station every 3 km in the cities, 100 km on public roads for heavy-duty vehicles, and 25 km on the highways is mandatory.
» Installing an electric vehicle charging station is license-free for every individual in India.
» Individuals who set up an electric vehicle charging station will have to obey the guidelines and policies of the Power Ministry of India.
EV Charging Station Guidelines by the Government of India
The Ministry of Power has issued condensed guidelines for EV charging infrastructure. These guidelines also provide a phase-wise installation of electric vehicle charging stations for cities. Let’s uncover all these guidelines that are issued by the Ministry of Power and Niti Aayog.
» Electric vehicle users are able to charge their electric vehicles at their residences and offices with the help of the current electricity connections.
» The state government will fix and resolve the ceiling of service charges that the EV charging stations are able to charge.
» The taxation on the supply of electricity in public EV charging stations will be a single-part tariff and will not surpass the average supply cost till 31 March 2025.
» The general EV charging stations or chains of electric vehicle charging stations are able to acquire electricity from a power generation company with the help of open access.
» The government has made it obligatory for electricity boards in order to contribute new EV charging stations with an association within 7 days in the metro cities, 15 days in municipal areas and 30 days in the rural areas.
» Public EV charging stations should link with at least one digital network service provider to facilitate online booking/advanced remote charging slots by EV owners.
» Public EV charging stations should obey the performance benchmarks as set by the Ministry of Power and the Central Electricity Authority for electric charging stations.
» The Electricity Distribution Company authorised for a specific area will receive the proposal of an individual requesting for connectivity in order to install a public EV charging station.
» The power supply can be contributed to EV charging stations presently from an electricity generation and supply company.
» Public EV charging stations can be installed at residences and private offices, and the electricity DISCOMS will promote the same.
How to Open an Electric Car Charging Station in India?
There are several ways to set up an EV charging station in India so that you can drive your car easily and hassle-free. Let’s understand all the ways that will help you to install it anywhere across the country. All these steps are explained below precisely:
1. Determine an Efficiently Accessible Space
The reliable space is way too important and crucial for setting up an EV charging station in India. The land should have adequate capacity and space to simultaneously adjust up to or more cars.
Separate entry or exit points are also needed for moving these cars efficiently and hassle-free. The host is also required to provide a waiting lounge for 10 to 16 people so that the passengers can comfort and relax at the time of EV charging.
2. Draft a Feasibility Report
The host will also be required to prepare a feasibility report before getting started with the process of installing an EV charging station.
The comprehensive report will help them to operate the charging activities seamlessly and keep various types of inconveniences away from them.
3. Observe the Policies of Local Authorities
The government provides certain kinds of leisure and subsidies for hosts of charging stations to set up a charging station seamlessly.
Follow all the guidelines carefully and precisely in order to avoid a number of issues and problems. Check every pint before establishing. The guidelines differ in every state.
4. Organize the Mandatory Power Supply
The easy availability of the essentially required power supply is mandatory to run an electric vehicle charging station successfully and efficiently.
Make sure to arrange alternate energy solutions or connect to the local electricity supply point in order to provide a smooth and seamless charging experience to EV owners.
5. Establish Certified Charging Tools
The host of an EV charging station is fundamentally required to set up certified charging equipment and tools with all the necessary gun types.
With this, owners of electric vehicles are able to experience the charging of their electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers in a seamless and efficient manner.
6. Assemble up-to-the-mark Infrastructure and Structures
The charging stations are intended to keep owners of electric vehicles away from all types of inconvenience and hassles.
As a result, it is crucial for hosts to develop and maintain the best infrastructure and facilities for customers. A cafeteria is the predominant need at the charging station.
Apart from this, hosts can offer conveniences and services in order to serve their customers in a better and enlightened manner.
Infrastructure Prerequisites for Opening an EV Charging Station in India
When it comes to how to open an electric car charging station in India, you must know that installation of an EV charging station requires a considerable number of infrastructure such as electrical, mechanical, and technological components. Let’s understand more about this:
» It needs an electrical infrastructure like switchgear, transformers, cabling, and power distribution units.
» One needs to have the mechanical infrastructure such as mounting and enclosures, mechanical infrastructure, cooling systems and safety tools and equipment.
» It also requires technological infrastructure including network connectivity, customer support, payment systems, and remote monitoring.
» In the end, a charging station should have adequate parking space with seamless entry and exit points.
Government Incentives for Setting Up EV Charging Stations in India
The Government of India has issued and implemented several incentives and initiatives in order to encourage people to find the answers to how to open an electric car charging station in India. These incentives include the following:
» FAME II: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles, i.e., the FAME II scheme provides financial incentives for installing the EV charging infrastructure in public spaces such as parking lots, highways, and other public spaces.
» GST Exemption: The Goods and Services Tax or GST exemption is available for EV or electric vehicle charging stations and charging equipment. This exemption will help you to lessen the cost of installing the EV charging stations and foster more investors to enter the market.
» Capital Subsidy: The government of India also provides a capital subsidy of 25% for installing EV charging stations in various cities in India. This subsidy is able to lessen the initial investment costs and make the project financially stable and reliable.
» Income Tax Exemption: Income tax exemption is accessible for companies that invest in the installation of EV charging stations. The exemption is accessible only for a period of five years from the years of inception of the project.