Key features of EV charging guidelines 2022 issued by the Ministry of Power

With the rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India, the need for a sound charging network has become increasingly crucial. To facilitate this, the Ministry of Power released its ‘Revised guidelines and standards for Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles’ on January 14, 2022, aimed at providing affordable tariffs, generating income opportunities, and promoting the faster adoption of EVs.

Here are the five key aspects of these EV charging guidelines:

1. No license is required for a charging station

As per the new guidelines, any person or institution can set up public charging stations without requiring a license. Owners can also charge their EVs at their homes or offices using existing electricity connections. However, these charging stations must meet the technical, safety, and performance standards established by the Ministry of Power, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

2. Phased rollout of Public Charging Stations (PCS)

The infrastructure for public EVs will be rolled out in two phases. The first phase (one to three years) includes all mega cities with a population of more than 4 million, all existing expressways connected to these mega cities, and important highways connected to each of these mega cities. The second phase (three to five years) covers big cities like state capitals, headquarters of Union Territories, and important highways connected to each of these mega cities.

3. Location of PCS

As per the guidelines, there must be at least one station in a 3km x 3km grid, and at least one fast-charging station with infrastructure criteria for long-range EVs or heavy-duty EVs every 25km on both sides of highways/roads.

4. Revenue sharing model of PCS

To make a charging station financially viable during the transition period, the Ministry of Power has suggested a revenue-sharing model for the land used. Land available with government or public entities will be provided for installation of Public Charging Stations to a government or public entity on a revenue-sharing basis at a fixed rate of Rs 1/kWh (used for charging) to be paid to the Land-Owning Agency from such PCS business, payable on a quarterly basis.

5. Administration of directory of EV charging stations

A central nodal agency, BEE, will administer the directory of EV charging stations, including the construction of a national online database in conjunction with state nodal organizations. This directory will ensure that all stakeholders have access to information about charging stations.

In conclusion, the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power take a holistic approach by allowing current owners to seamlessly integrate charging systems with existing infrastructure, while also providing a roadmap for future installations and ensuring that all stakeholders enjoy monetary benefits. If implemented properly, these guidelines will ease project planning for charging companies, increase the use of clean energy at charging stations, improve access to affordable land, and strengthen the viability for businesses and start-ups focussing on this space. With these guidelines, India is poised to become a leader in EV adoption and a model for other countries to follow.