Building the Green Corridors: Fast-Charging on Indian Highways
To enable confident long-distance travel and boost EV adoption beyond city limits, India is actively developing a network of fast-charging stations along its national and state highways. The goal is to ensure that no two charging stations are more than 100 km apart on key routes.
Leading this charge are players like Tata Power, which is building a comprehensive network, and Ionage (a JV between NTPC and IOCL), which is leveraging existing petrol pump infrastructure to set up high-power CCS2 chargers. These DC fast chargers (typically 30kW to 150kW) can add significant range to an electric car in 30-45 minutes, making them ideal for highway journey breaks. This infrastructure is vital for inter-city travel for cars and electric buses.
FAQ
Q: What is the typical cost to fast-charge an electric car in India?A: Pricing varies by operator and state, but it is generally billed per kWh consumed. Costs are typically competitive with the cost of petrol or diesel for the same distance, offering significant running cost savings.
Q: Are these highway chargers reliable?A: Reliability is improving but can be inconsistent. Leading operators are investing heavily in maintenance and 24/7 customer support. It is always wise to check the app for real-time status before arriving at a station.
The creation of electric highways is a bold step towards making EVs a viable option for every journey in India.