EV charging infrastructure, India

Project Summary:

Background

The cost of electric motorbikes and mopeds has now reached parity with the traditional internal combustion motorbikes and mopeds.  Moreover, electric charging costs are relatively cheaper than gasoline.  Consequently, there has been a sharp increase in the uptake of electric vehicles (EV), especially motorbikes and mopeds in Asia, not only in developed countries such as China and Japan but also in emerging markets such as India, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Successful EV adoption requires a change in consumer behavior enabled by public policy to create an EV ecosystem that makes EV use affordable and reliable.

The shift to EV use is imperative for countries with net zero commitments, given that transport is a leading source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Although a strong push toward EV would also create higher energy demand that could easily offset gains if energy sources are not clean.

The charging infrastructure is the backbone of electric mobility. India perceives key barriers for EVs including high capital investment, lack of affordable land in dense urban areas with public charging seen as a standalone land use requiring dedicated space, limited power distribution capacity, and long charging times.¹

Project Structure

The Government of India supports the EV industry by encouraging electric and hybrid vehicle purchases through its Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME). FAME II is a 3-year program supporting electric and hybrid buses, electric 3W, 2W and 4W passenger vehicles.²

Under FAME I and II, about 371,000 EVs were supported with total incentive of around Rs. 634 Crore (~USD 79.6 million) as of July 2021, and 427 charging stations have been installed. Under FAME II, Rs. 1000 Crores (~USD 125.6 million) is allocated for the development of charging infrastructure in the country.³

The Government of India has set a target to electrify 70% of all commercial vehicles, 30% of private cars, 40% of buses, and 80% of two-wheeler and three-wheeler sales by 2030. This target entails simultaneous penetration of charging stations across India.⁴

In 2022, Tata Power has installed 150 EV charging points across residential societies, malls, commercial complexes and petrol pumps in Mumbai. The EV charging points are powered by renewable energy sources like wind, solar and hydropower.⁵

Key players for delivering improved services

Ministry of Heavy Industries & National Real Estate Development Council assist the development of EV charging to achieve renewable targets.

Tata Power, a subsidiary of Tata Group, has consolidated its position at the top of the sector, accounting for over 50% of PCPs in the country. Even in the home charging and fleet charging verticals, Tata Power’s market share is at ~40%.⁶

Mechanism/s for Maximizing Funding for Infrastructure

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tata Power and National Real Estate Development Council for 5,000 EV charging points across Maharashtra was signed to boost EV adoption in the state. Tata Power will provide comprehensive EV charging solutions across properties of member developers of National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO).⁷

While in Gujarat state, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) will lease land at adjusted rates of INR 10 (USD 13 cents) per sqm with an allotment of ~50 sqm for each charging station. The AMC plans to establish 25 charging stations in the first phase. The 10-year contract will be awarded to the bidder offering the highest fee, subject to a mid-term review at the end of five years. The charging rates to be paid by users will soon be decided by the state government.⁸

Typical Business Model

Lessons Learned

Implementation

• Subsidies and incentives to grow the value chain for EV such as manufacturing of EV vehicles and installation of EV charging points were applied in India to encourage growth in private sector business.
• However, as demand rises, land can be leased at more commercial rates.

Replicability

• Similar to AMC, governments can consider partnering with private sector to install EV charging points and earn a concession fee or lease payments and a revenue share once utilization goes beyond a certain threshold.

Footnote 1: India has made the right move on charging infrastructure for electric vehicles

Footnote 2: Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme - Phase I & II

Footnote 3: Rs.756.66 Crore allocated and Rs.53.27 Crore Utilized till June 2021 under FAME Scheme

Footnote 4: Tata sets up 150EV charging points with green fuel in Mumbai

Footnote 5: Ibid

Footnote 6: Low margins, high stakes: The Tata Power foundation to Tata Group’s electric empire

Footnote 7: Tata Power signs MoU with NAREDCO for 5,000 EV charging points

Footnote 8: https://www.inframationnews.com/news/11917236/indian-municipality-plans-ev-charging-stations-ppp.thtml