Industry Players Urge Setting up More Charging Stations to Accelerate EV Ecosystem

With electric vehicles (EV) getting mentioned in the Union Budget, there was something to cheer in Nagpur, says Nitin Gadkari. Nagpur is the home turf of the principal proponent of green energy and alternative fuel. During the Union Budget 2024, the finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made announcement on bolstering the e-vehicle ecosystem by supporting manufacturing and charging infrastructure. However, industry players and experts sought setting up of more charging stations to augment EV mobility. Also, every housing society should have solar-based charging stations to cut dependence on grid and achieve sustainable development. Ritesh Kesri, associate professor, VNIT Nagpur, who has worked on electric vehicle propulsion and charging infrastructure, says to Economic Times that a common man would prefer electric vehicles, only if charging points are easily available. He further adds that in Vidarbha, just one or two EV companies have started operation. If more charging stations are set up, the reluctance in choosing EVs will subside.

Rajendra Ginjal, deputy general manager, Tata Autocomp, says to Economic Times that four-wheeler EV manufacturer are dependent on home charging as no public points are available. He further says that range of vehicle is an issue and all petrol pumps should have charging points, while the Government must consider launching charging vans.