Addressing delegates at the 4th International Conference on Integrating Mission Life in Automobile Industry: Transitioning to Viksit Bharat, Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, emphasized the critical necessity for India to formulate a strategic and coherent policy on EV charging infrastructure.
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction across the nation, the scarcity of adequate charging facilities persists as a significant barrier. Dr. Qureshi highlighted the importance of escalating charger-to-vehicle density to alleviate range anxiety—a principal deterrent deterring consumers from adopting electric vehicles. According to his perspective, this escalation is pivotal for India’s transition towards a greener future.
Dr. Qureshi warned against the indiscriminate placement of charging stations across regions with sparse EV usage, which would not only prove inefficient but also misallocate resources. His advocacy focuses on targeting EV-dense cities to optimize utility and cost-effectiveness.
The government actively collaborates with stakeholders within the EV charging ecosystem to render the establishment of charging stations a viable business. This collaboration involves understanding the specific needs of charge point operators and the charging equipment market to ensure that infrastructure expansion aligns with genuine industry demands.
Dr. Qureshi also addressed the unique requirements of the Indian market, significantly different from Western models primarily due to the prevalence of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. He argued that India could not simply replicate Western charging infrastructure strategies and expect similar outcomes. Instead, a tailored approach that accommodates the specific needs of Indian consumers and vehicle types is essential.
Regarding charging standards, Dr. Qureshi noted that while India currently adheres to the Combined Charging System 2 (CCS 2), the introduction of a new connector standard for two-wheelers and three-wheelers (IS17017) by the Bureau of Indian Standards could facilitate more unified and efficient charging practices across the country.
Drawing a comparison with China’s infrastructure, he highlighted a stark disparity in charger availability, with China boasting one EV charger for every nine vehicles, compared to India’s one charger for every 135 vehicles. This disparity underscores the pressing need for India to accelerate its infrastructure development to not only catch up with global leaders but also to support its burgeoning EV market.
As India continues its journey towards an electric future, Dr. Qureshi’s insights serve as a critical call to action for policymakers and industry leaders. Crafting a differentiated, inclusive, and sustainable EV charging infrastructure strategy will be key to achieving India’s ambitious green mobility goals.
NEW LAUNCH | Volvo Starts EX90 Electric SUV Production in South Carolina, Boosts Safety Tech
