Charging can’t even pay the attendant’s salary: why finding a charging point for EVs isn’t easy
High infrastructure cost, low utilisation, and puny return on investment make public charging an unviable business in India at present. But a handful of players — Blu Smart, Lithium Cabs, and EV Motors — hope to have the rst-mover advantage when India drives only on battery.
The government must step in to help. The fourth of a ve-part series.
The Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) fuel pump at Delhi’s bustling arterial node, where ring road meets Mathura road, would immediately grab your attention. While the abundance of trees dotting the pump gives a visual relief amidst the chaotic trac, the strategic location makes it a favoured refuelling option among motorists criss-crossing the city. Tucked away in one quiet corner of providing the space.
“There should not be any arbitrary capping of EV-charging fees as has been suggested as a precondition for getting subsidised electricity. This can harm commercial viability,” Bansal says, adding CSR funds can be used to fund charging infrastructures. But most importantly, more EVs need to come on the road. ( Graphic by Mohammad Arshad)
Source: prime.economictimes.indiatimes
