EV Charging Infrastructure in India

The Road Ahead: EV Charging Infrastructure in India

As India accelerates its transition to electric mobility, the development of a robust EV charging infrastructure has emerged as a key priority. With rising fuel costs, government incentives, and a strong push for sustainability, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly attractive option. However, for widespread adoption, reliable and accessible charging stations are essential.

India’s EV ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with both public and private stakeholders investing in charging networks. The government’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) initiatives, state policies, and the push for battery swapping are driving change. Yet, challenges remain—charging station density, grid reliability, and standardization of connectors are crucial factors that need attention.

This issue of our newsletter explores the current landscape of EV charging in India, innovations in charging technology, and what it means for industries reliant on electrical insulation and high-performance elastomers. As a key player in materials for energy applications, we also discuss how specialized silicone compounds contribute to safer and more efficient EV infrastructure.

Join us as we navigate the future of EV charging and the role of high-performance materials in enabling India’s electric revolution.

Basics of EV Charging Infrastructure

EV charging infrastructure is the backbone of electric mobility, ensuring that electric vehicles (EVs) have access to reliable and efficient energy sources. Unlike conventional refueling stations for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EV charging requires different types of chargers, power levels, and grid integration strategies to meet the needs of various users.

At its core, EV charging infrastructure consists of three primary charging levels:

 • Level 1 Charging (Slow Charging): Uses a standard 230V AC household outlet, typically providing 2-5 kW of power. It is the slowest charging method and is best suited for overnight home charging.

 • Level 2 Charging (Fast AC Charging): Operates on a higher voltage (typically 415V AC in India), delivering 7-22 kW of power. This is commonly found in public and residential charging stations and takes a few hours to fully charge an EV.

 • Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging): Also known as rapid charging, it bypasses the vehicle’s onboard charger and directly supplies high-voltage DC power (50-350 kW), allowing an EV to charge up to 80% in under an hour.

The charging ecosystem is supported by various connectors and standards. India primarily follows the Combined Charging System (CCS) and CHAdeMO standards for fast charging, while Bharat AC-001 and DC-001 are specific to India’s domestic charging framework. The government is also promoting a battery swapping policy for certain vehicle categories, reducing dependence on fixed charging infrastructure.

A well-designed charging network considers not only charger availability but also grid capacity, power distribution, and smart charging solutions. Advanced charging stations are increasingly integrating renewable energy sources, smart grids, and IoT-enabled management systems to optimize energy usage and reduce stress on the electrical grid.

As India moves towards electrification, expanding and standardizing EV charging infrastructure will be crucial to overcoming range anxiety and ensuring seamless EV adoption.

India’s Progress in the Global EV Charging Market

India is making significant strides in expanding its EV charging infrastructure to support the country’s ambitious electrification goals. A report by Research and Markets, published in December 2023, titled The Indian EV Charging Station Market Report 2023-2028, provides insights into the sector’s growth. According to the report, India had 9,113 operational charging stations by the end of the financial year 2023, with projections indicating a rise to over 68,956 stations by 2028.

To meet the target of EVs comprising 30% of new private vehicle registrations by 2030, which translates to approximately 80 million EVs, India will require a vast charging network. Estimates suggest that 3.9 million public and semi-public charging stations will be needed to maintain an optimal ratio of one station for every 20 vehicles. Recognizing this demand, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has planned to install charging stations along national highways at intervals of 40 to 60 kilometers to ensure widespread accessibility.

In a significant push for infrastructure expansion, the Ministry of Heavy Industries announced in March 2023 that INR 800 crores had been allocated under the FAME II scheme to PSU Oil Marketing Companies (IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL) for the development of 7,432 fast-charging stations across the country.

Despite these efforts, India’s current charging station-to-EV ratio stands at 1:135, which lags behind the global standard of 1 station for every 6 to 20 EVs. To bridge this gap, the government has introduced various policies and incentives aimed at accelerating infrastructure deployment.

According to data from the Ministry of Power, as of February 2, 2024, India had 12,146 operational public charging stations, nearly doubling from 6,586 stations in March 2023. Among states, Maharashtra leads with 3,079 charging stations, followed by Delhi (1,886) and Karnataka (1,041).

With ongoing investments, policy support, and technological advancements, India’s EV charging network is set to expand rapidly, playing a crucial role in the country’s transition to a sustainable and electrified transportation future.

EV Charging Infrastructure in India: Key Challenges

India’s ambitious transition to electric mobility is heavily dependent on the development of a robust and accessible EV charging infrastructure. While significant progress has been made, several challenges continue to hinder widespread adoption. Let’s take a closer look at the key obstacles on the road to a fully charged future.

1. High Costs, Low Returns

Setting up EV charging stations—especially fast-charging hubs—requires substantial investment. The costs include land acquisition, power infrastructure upgrades, high-capacity chargers, and maintenance. While the government has introduced incentives under schemes like FAME II, private players still find it difficult to scale due to low initial utilization rates and long payback periods. Until EV adoption reaches a critical mass, the return on investment remains a major concern.

2. Grid Overload and Power Supply Challenges

India’s power generation capacity is expanding, but integrating growing EV demand into the grid presents a technical challenge. Fast charging stations, in particular, require high power loads, and without smart grid management, sudden spikes in electricity demand can strain the system. Upgrading infrastructure to support distributed energy resources (DERs), smart grids, and energy storage solutions is critical for ensuring grid stability while accommodating the rise in EV usage.

3. Uneven Distribution and Range Anxiety

Most public charging stations are concentrated in urban centers, leaving highways, smaller towns, and rural areas largely underserved. This uneven distribution leads to “range anxiety”, where EV users worry about running out of charge with no nearby station. To boost confidence in EV travel, India needs a nationwide, well-spaced network of fast chargers, particularly along highways and intercity routes. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken steps in this direction, but large-scale expansion is necessary.

4. Lack of Consistency in Standards

The absence of uniform charging standards across manufacturers and states adds to operational inefficiencies. India currently supports multiple charging protocols, including Bharat DC-001, CCS, and CHAdeMO, leading to compatibility issues. Standardizing connectors, communication protocols, and payment systems will ensure that EV users have a seamless charging experience across all networks, reducing confusion and increasing convenience.

5. Limited Public Awareness

A major hurdle in mass EV adoption is the lack of awareness among consumers about charging options, costs, and benefits. Many potential EV buyers are unaware of home charging solutions, fast-charging locations, and government incentives. Public education campaigns, digital mapping of charging stations, and clear signage at charging locations can go a long way in building confidence in EV ownership and increasing demand for charging infrastructure.

The Road Ahead

While these challenges remain, India’s EV charging ecosystem is evolving rapidly with government policies, private sector investments, and advancements in renewable energy integration. Addressing these bottlenecks through policy support, grid modernization, and widespread public-private collaboration will be crucial in ensuring a seamless and reliable EV charging network. A strong foundation today will pave the way for a future where electric mobility is not just an alternative—but the mainstream choice.