Nagpur Electric vehicles are becoming more popular than the rising prices of petrol and diesel. Electric vehicles will make up 30% of all vehicles sold in India by the end of the decade. The increasing number of electric vehicles means that owners should have easy access to their charging systems. MSEDCL took initiative to set up electric vehicle charging stations in 13 locations in the State. It also proposed 2,375 stations in various locations throughout the State.
MSEDCL plans to install self-financing charging stations of electric vehicles in its extra sub-station space at five stations in Thane and two in Navi Mumbai. MSEDCL has also begun work on 49 additional electric vehicle charging stations. These stations include Nagpur-6 and 10 in Navi Mumbai.
The State Government also approved Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy-2021, which was announced on July 23, 2021. This policy states that by 2025, the total number of electric vehicle charging infrastructures in the State will reach 2,375. These include Brihanmumbai 1500 and Pune 500, Nagpur 150 and 150, Nagpur 150, Nashik 100; Aurangabad 75; Amravati 30; Solapur 20. Similar facilities will be available for charging electric vehicles at Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg and Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway as well as Mumbai-Pune, Mumbai–Nashik, Nashik–Pune and Mumbai-Pune.
Any person or organization can open a public charging station. An electric charging station can be set up near a bus stop, railway station, petrol pump, or shopping center. A variety of electric charging stations can also be set up along the highway.
The State Government also appointed Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd to be the State Nodal Agency responsible for providing infrastructure for charging electric vehicles. Private individuals can also set up charging stations by obtaining priority power supply from MSEDCL. The state government announced financial incentives to encourage the establishment of electric vehicle charging stations.
For the establishment of 15,500 charging infrastructures, a financial contribution of Rs 40 Crore has been made. This includes 15,000 slow chargers as well as 500 medium speed chargers that can be used for semi-public charging stations. MSEDCL has developed a new web portal to help distribute the financial incentives.
Power app:
MSEDCL developed the “Power App” mobile app to track the status of charging stations and provide data about the geographic indices. Current status of electric vehicle charging stations (available or in use), station type, plug type and power (DC, AC), start times, available time (booking via the app). Information on nearby alternative charging stations, such as those located closer to your current location, will be provided if they are not in service.
