Kozhikode to get 26 electric vehicle charging stations
Kozhikode: The Kerala State Electricity Board is set to start 26 electric vehicles charging centres in the district. The plan is to start charging stations with the support of empanelled agencies and private parties.
The KSEB has already floated tenders for six electric vehicle charging stations. The plan is to set up charging stations in the city and other areas in the district.
The number of electric vehicles operational in the district is very low as per the current data, said Bose Jacob, deputy chief engineer KSEB. However, the KSEB is planning to introduce a number of vehicle charging stations as the state government aims to increase the number of electric vehicles to 1 million by 2022, he said.
The plan is to set up charging stations at every 4km to help the electric vehicle users. The KSEB is planning to start the charging stations at KSEB’s own land or other government land in the initial phase. Discussions have started with private parties also for commencing charging stations with private partnership.
Of a total of 26 stations sanctioned in Kozhikode 14 will be operated by KSEB empanelled agencies. Six stations will be run directly by the KSEB and six other stations will be operated by private parties.
The vehicle stations are being planned to aim to promote the use of electric vehicles in the state. The stations will provide safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable charging infrastructure.
The station will have exclusive transformer, substation equipment and safety appliances. The station will have 14×7 metre area to accommodate the vehicles.
Apart from Kozhikode, other cities in the district will also get vehicle charging stations. The central government has given nod for 131 charging stations across Kerala. Kochi will get the maximum number of stations- 150. While Kannur will get 27 charging stations Thrissur will get 28 stations.
We do not expect many to turn up to the charging stations in the beginning as the number of electric vehicles is minimal, said Bose Jacob. More number of people will come up to purchase electric vehicles only if there are sufficient number of charging stations, he said adding that the initiative is aimed at promoting eco-friendly e-vehicles.
The state government has also issued direction to give fresh permit only to green auto rickshaws in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, said the official. The charging stations would be helpful to the e-auto owners, he added.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes
