The Ministry of Power (MoP) has issued the draft “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure 2024” which has come into effect from July 1, 2024, superseding all previous versions released between January 2018 and April 2023. These guidelines aim to enhance the adoption of electronic vehicles (EVs) by providing safe, reliable and accessible charging infrastructure.
They apply to EV charging facilities in privately owned parking spaces, semi-restricted parking spaces such as office, building, educational institutions, hospitals, group housing societies, e-bus depots as well as public locations like commercial complexes, railway stations, petrol pumps, airports, metro stations, shopping arcades, municipal parking, highways and expressways.
The new guidelines stipulate that any individual or entity can establish EV charging stations, provided they comply with the specified standards. Distribution licensees are required to supply electricity connections to these stations within defined timeframes: 3 days in metropolitan areas, 7 days in other municipal areas, 15 days in rural areas. For rural areas with hilly terrain, the period extends to 30 days, and up to 90 days if new distribution mains or substations are necessary. The respective charging stations must meet specific safety and operational standards, including proper cabling, fire protection measures, rain protection, adequate space, trained personnel, clearly marked parking spaces, and systems for tracking usage, billing and payments.
Public charging stations are mandated to offer both prepaid and postpaid charge options, with time-of-day rates and discounts during solar hours. The electricity tariff for EV charging stations will be a single part rate, not exceeding the average cost of supply (ACoS) until March 31, 2026. During solar hours (9:00 AM to 4:00 PM), the rate will be 0.7 times the ACoS, and 1.3 times the ACoS during the non-solar hours. Government and public entities are encouraged to offer land for public charging stations at discounted rates, starting at Rs 1 per kWh on a revenue sharing model over a ten-year period.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will act as the central nodal agency overseeing the implementation of these guidelines. A Steering Committee led by the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Power and including members of the BEE, CEA, state nodal agencies, and Principal Secretaries of Energy/Power and Transport, will review the progress quarterly to ensure the effective roll-out and operation of the EV charging infrastructure across the country.