EV Charging Infrastructure: Building a Sustainable Network [Detailed List]
The clock is ticking on the carbon emission goals and the only way to achieve them is by ramping up the EV charging infrastructure.
Growing demand for convenient and reliable charging is the need of the hour. As a well-planned electric vehicle charging station system can address many industry-related challenges, EV adoption will become more rapid.
This blog covers some insights on building EV charging infrastructure in India and the key driving factors behind it.
The Importance of Setting Up EV Charging Station in India
India is the third-largest EV market in the world, and the government is bringing many initiatives to encourage people to use EVs.
After all, setting up charging stations will help India speed up the shift to clean and sustainable transportation. It will also help reduce air pollution, improve air quality, and use fewer fossil fuels to fight climate change.
However, the government of India insists on having EV charging stations every 3 Km in cities and every 25 km on both sides of the road. Further, it mentions that highways must have charging stations every 100 kilometers.
But the reality is far from it. That's why the government is pushing individuals and businesses to invest in EV charging stations.
Everything You Need to Know about Building EV Charging Infrastructure
The EV charging infrastructure is a charging network to power up electric vehicles. It includes a range of technologies and tools to transfer electrical energy to the vehicle’s battery.
These charging stations must be present at many places for easy energy transfer to run a vehicle without interruptions. Public parking lots, neighborhoods, businesses, and roads are common areas where an EV charging business can set up these stations.
Growth Jockey provides specialized services to assist automakers in adapting to changing industry trends. Further, we assist businesses with EV market insights to stay ahead of the competition. Here are some strategies an electric vehicle charging station business in India can use to create a sustainable network.
Adopting New Technologies
The EV market is evolving and so should your approach to building an EV charging network. It means using technologies such as wireless chargers, fast charging, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems can be beneficial.
Considering these techs to build EV charging infrastructure to enhance the overall experience. Invest in research and development to create fast and convenient charging solutions. It can also solve issues involving the merging of EVs with the available power grid.
Government Support and Policies
As mentioned, government support and policies are also fuelling the development of the EV charging station business. Incentives, grants, and regulations encourage its growth and help meet the rising demand for EV charging points.
These government initiatives include the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) II scheme. This provides financial incentives for setting up EV charging infrastructure in public places like highways, parking lots, etc. GST exemption also reduces the cost of EV charging station set-up.
The Indian government also offers capital subsidies of up to 25% to install EV charging stations in select cities. It also promotes private-public partnerships for the charging station setup. It means businesses can invest in the EV infrastructure and the government can provide land, regulatory support, and other necessary help.
Private Investment and Partnerships
Partnerships between charging network providers, automakers, and utility services help build EV charging infrastructure. Many businesses can come together to help optimize charging station locations.
Working with each other can help with investment and improve user experience with the use of new technologies. For example, Tata Power partnered with Jaguar Land Rover in 2021 to set up charging stations for their EVs. A similar partnership happened between MG Motor and Fortum Charge & Drive to install fast-charging stations.
Better Payment Systems
Businesses can improve EV charging infrastructure with easy payment options to cater to user preferences. Pay-as-you-go choices are more convenient for occasional users, whereas subscription-based ones are for regular users.
Electric vehicle businesses can improve customer experience with convenient payment options. Growth Jockey suggests businesses combine mobile apps or payment platforms to simplify the process.
Create user-friendly mobile apps or websites that let EV owners find and reserve charging stations. Using apps, they can track the charging status, and make payments online.
Prioritise customer service and offer prompt help to solve their complaints and problems. As you offer a seamless user experience, it will encourage users to rely on EV charging stations and improve loyalty.
Driving Factors Behind the Growing Demand for EV Charging Infrastructure
The future of electric vehicle charging station business in India is promising, thanks to many trends and developments. To understand the market and be at the top of these market changes, let's look at the factors driving this growth.
Increasing Adoption of EVs
The global EV market is witnessing exponential growth, leading to a major boost in electric vehicle demand. Further, a 2023 survey points to a 49% CAGR for India's indigenous EV market from 2022 to 2030. It will result in an estimated sales volume of about 10 million vehicles per year by 2030.
EV-Focused Initiatives and Regulations
The Indian government is keen on pushing for EV sales and charging infrastructure. These policies to set electrification targets and invest in charging networks are helping promote EV adoption and its expansion.
Further, investments from private enterprises are also driving the growth in expanding EV charging infrastructure.
Market Competition
The rising demand for EV charging networks and services is making way for competition from EV automakers and charging station providers. The boost is resulting in innovative solutions, competitive pricing, and better customer experiences.
Final Thoughts
Electric vehicle charging systems are the backbone of EV adoption. It plays a vital role in making this sustainable transportation option easily available and convenient for people.
It can help reduce the range-anxiety issues and support long-distance travel. With systematic EV charging infrastructure, businesses can improve sustainable transportation in India. As a result, it can help reduce the environmental effects of conventional vehicles.
It takes careful planning and understanding of user needs to build an EV charging infrastructure. An electric vehicle business can use government incentives and partner with companies to ensure create a reliable EV charging network.
Growth Jockey helps create customized solutions that effectively address the critical challenges businesses face competing in the industry. Our expert team simplifies access to digital tools and services to make a mark and drive EV success.
FAQs
What is an EV charging network?
Electric vehicles and hybrid cars need EV chargers to keep the battery full. It works just like any chargeable electronic device. EV charging network is a system of charging stations designed to help keep batteries full along the way.
These charging stations cover public parking lots, shopping centers, highways, and urban areas. It makes it convenient for electric vehicle users to charge their cars as needed.
How do electric vehicles help in sustainable development?
Electric vehicles help reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. As a result, it helps improve air quality and energy efficiency. It also reduces the amount of noise pollution. All of this leads to a future that is cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable for the planet.
With more use of EVs instead of traditional vehicles, users can help in sustainable development.
What are the challenges in developing charging infrastructure?
Developing a sustainable EV charging infrastructure comes with its own challenges. Some of these obstacles involve –
- Poor charging infrastructure
- The strain on grid and load management
- Cost and investment
- Common Standards and Interoperability
Why EV charging infrastructure is important?
EV charging infrastructure is crucial for the all-around adoption of electric vehicles. While more people are giving thought to shifting to electric vehicles, poor charging infrastructure is still a major concern for them.
Also, the fear of running out of power before reaching a destination is a real issue. For these reasons convenient charging options are necessary. A planned EV charging network can help remove these issues and make EVs more suitable for daily use.
Is EV charging sustainable?
Yes, EV charging is more sustainable than non-renewable energy sources. However, there are some factors to think about here. For this to work, the charging infrastructure must use clean and green sources. Also, materials for batteries must be recyclable to benefit the environment. But if the power comes from polluting sources, it's not as sustainable as businesses claim.