Jun 9, 2025
Public Electric Car Charging Stations in India: What You Need to Know
Kavita Jadhav
Electric vehicles (EVs) in India aren’t just a future concept—they are rapidly becoming part of everyday life. As more people shift to electric cars, demand for easily accessible electric car charging stations in India is also increasing significantly.
This presents a huge opportunity for aspiring Charge Point Operators (CPOs), real estate developers, and city planners. In this blog, we’ll clearly explain what public EV charging stations are, why they're essential, and how you can set one up successfully.
What is a Public EV Charging Station?
Public EV charging stations are charging points installed at publicly accessible locations, allowing anyone with an electric car to charge conveniently. Typical locations include:
Shopping malls and supermarkets
Highways and rest stops
Office complexes and commercial hubs
Public parking lots and transport stations
These charging stations are essential because they allow EV drivers, tourists, and commercial fleets to travel freely without worrying about battery range.
Current State of Electric Car Charging Stations in India
India's EV charging infrastructure is rapidly evolving due to coordinated efforts from the government and private sectors:
The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) promotes extensive public charging stations.
FAME-II Scheme financially supports the establishment of electric car charging stations in cities and highways.
Government guidelines suggest installing a public EV charger every 3 km in urban areas and every 25–30 km on highways.
This framework has led to a growing number of public charging stations throughout India.
Urban vs. Highway Public Charging Stations
1. City Charging Stations (Urban Areas):
In cities, convenience and ease-of-use matter most. Typical charging stations are found at malls, metro stations, commercial buildings, and public parking spots. Usually, these stations offer Level 2 AC chargers (7.4 kW–22 kW), allowing people to recharge while shopping, working, or attending meetings.
2. Highway Charging Stations:
Along highways, faster charging is crucial for drivers traveling long distances. These charging stations typically use DC fast chargers (30 kW–120 kW) that quickly recharge EVs up to 80% within 30–60 minutes. Ideal locations include rest areas, petrol stations, and toll plazas.
How to Set Up a Public Electric Car Charging Station in India
If you're planning to become a CPO or want to add charging stations to your property, here’s what you need:
1. Identify a Suitable Location:
Look for high-traffic areas, commercial hubs, highway rest stops, or tourist attractions. Ensure good visibility and easy accessibility.
2. Secure Power Availability:
Coordinate with your local electricity provider (DISCOM) to ensure adequate power supply. You might need to apply for a higher sanctioned load or transformer upgrades.
3. Obtain Necessary Approvals:
Engage with local authorities and electricity distribution companies to secure approvals for connection, metering, and usage permissions.
4. Select Appropriate Chargers:
Choose between AC (slower) or DC (fast) chargers based on the location and expected usage patterns. Highways typically require DC fast chargers, while urban areas usually need mid-speed AC chargers.
5. Implement Smart Features:
Modern chargers include smart technologies such as RFID or app-based access, digital payment methods, dynamic load management, and remote monitoring.
6. Ensure Compliance and Safety:
Install chargers that comply with Indian standards (BIS, ARAI certification) to ensure safe operations and user confidence.
Business and Revenue Models for Charging Stations
Several revenue models help ensure sustainable operations:
Pay-per-unit (₹/kWh): Users pay for the exact energy consumed.
Time-based billing: Users pay based on charging duration.
Subscription plans: Regular customers or fleet operators pay a monthly fee.
Idle-time penalties: Additional charges to prevent misuse of charging spaces after completion.
Choose a model based on your target customers, location, and charger type.
Key Considerations Before Installing a Charging Station
Before setting up your public EV charging station, consider these critical factors:
Site Analysis: Vehicle density, expected usage, parking availability.
Power Infrastructure: Confirm power availability and possible upgrades.
User Experience: Easy payment options, simple user interface, clear instructions.
Scalability: Plan for future expansion as EV adoption grows.
Maintenance: Regular checks, responsive support, and 24/7 uptime assurance.
A thoughtful approach ensures your station remains effective, reliable, and scalable over time.
Conclusion: Public EV Charging Stations—Essential for India's EV Growth
Public electric car charging stations in India are more than convenience — they’re critical infrastructure that supports India’s transition to electric mobility. Whether you’re a property developer, aspiring entrepreneur, or a city planner, now is the time to contribute to India's sustainable future.
By understanding the basics and carefully planning your charging station setup, you can successfully build a reliable and profitable EV charging infrastructure.
Start your EV infrastructure journey today and become part of India's clean mobility revolution.