The ministry of heavy industries has cleared 2,636 electric vehicle charging stations in 62 cities as it looks to promote clean mobility in road transport. These facilities are being set up under the second phase of FAME India scheme. Heavy industries and public enterprises minister Prakash Javadekar said at least one charging station will be opened in the selected cities. The minister said the charging stations will encourage car buyers and manufacturers.
The entities selected under FAME II will get their sanction letters in phases after availability of land for charging stations is ensured and agreements with partner organisations such as municipal corporations, discoms and oil companies are signed, a government release said. The selected public entities will be asked to begin the procurement process for opening the charging stations.
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Electric cars in India are being sold at an average cost of Rs 12 Lakh. The manufacturers are finding it difficult to sell these as low-cost petrol cars are available from Rs 3 lakh per unit. Imported lithium-ion batteries are a major reason behind the high cost of electric vehicles. The Modi government is promoting the sale of electric vehicles through tax concessions and subsidies to address the issue of worsening air quality. The car industry is facing a slowdown with manufacturers reporting a 14% fall in annual sales.
The department of heavy industry had invited applications from cities with million plus population, smart cities, state capitals and cities from special category states for EV charging infrastructure. The ministry received 106 proposals for opening 7000 EV charging stations. were received. The government sanctioned 2,636 charging stations by 19 public entities for 24 states and Union territories after evaluating the expressions of interest.
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Of the total, 1,633 charging stations will be fast charging stations and 1,003 will be slow charging stations. Once these stations are set up, the country will have at least 14,000 electric vehicle charging stations.