NEW DELHI: India Inc is preparing plans for larger investments for the electric vehicle mission including charging infrastructure worth thousands of crores in cities, batteries and purchase of three-wheelers and cars., ET report said.
Government officials said they have held extensive discussions with more than 50 companies, domestic and foreign, for setting up charging infrastructure – a vital requirement of the country’s ambitious e-vehicle plan.
Ola and several local taxi aggregators are also considering bulk purchases of electric three-wheelers and e-rickshaws and lease them, industry executives and officials said.
A top official involved in the government’s e-vehicle’s programme said Tata Power, ABB, Acme Industries, and few Dutch firms are actively considering setting up vehicle charging stations, while Exide Industries, Amron Batteries and Microtek have held discussions with officials about supplying batteries and setting up bulk shops for motorists to swap drained out batteries with charged ones.
Praveer Sinha, chairman and managing director of Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd, said the company plans to partner DMRC and Municipal Corporation of Delhi to set up charging stations at metro stations and other possible locations.
Sinha said a fast-charging station requires an investment of about Rs 25 lakh, while a slowcharging outlet would cost about Rs 1 lakh. When the electric vehicle sales pick up in about five years, an area of 3 km could require about 300 charging stations with about 4-5 charging slots, he said. With this costing, setting up charging stations across Delhi would cost about Rs 3,300 crore over five years.
While setting up charging stations is a challenge, Sinha said it was easier than adequately strengthening the distribution network. An NTPC official said present charging infrastructure is limited as the number of electric vehicles on roads is miniscule as compared to petrol, diesel and CNG vehicles.
Power regulator Central Electricity Regulatory Commission has recognised three business models viable within the framework of the Electricity Act 2003. Sources said only electricity distribution licensees and its franchisees could be allowed to set up charging stations as the Act prohibits sale of electricity by any entity other than distribution company.
It expects to get bids from manufacturers such as Bajaj Auto, Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS and Piaggio Ape for the tenders for three wheelers.
In order to cut costs and promote electric vehicles, the government is considering sale of two-wheelers, three-wheelers and city buses without batteries to cut costs. The batteries will be leased at a specified cost and can be swapped with recharged ones at charging stations.
