Analysis of Charging Station developments in India

Abstract:
The rapid urbanization of the country demands for urbanization in mobility without effecting
the environment. Thus emerges the scenario of promoting use of Electric Vehicles and to be
able to do so the country should have accessible charging stations extended through out. In
this paper we will discuss about the government schemes, policies and initiatives for
installation, cost and basic features of charging infrastructure, necessary components and
types of available EVSE in India, the challenges faced during installation, it’s effect on
Indian economy with its beneficiaries and the algorithm of working of the system for its
efficient use.

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Contents

1 Introduction 3
1.1 Comparison between expenditure on EVs and IC engines 3
2 Requirements of installed Charging Infrastructure 3
2.1 Safety Features 4
2.2 EVSE Standards for India 4
2.3 Government Schemes and Guidelines 5
2.4 Minimum infrastructure of PCS 6
3 Components of Charging Infrastructure 6
3.1 Electric vehicle charger 7
3.2 Power Grid and Distribution network 8
3.3 Power Storage system 8
3.4 Software 9
4 Challenges 9
5 Effects on Indian market 10
5.1 Sales Trends 10
5.2 Business model 11
6 EVSE Region-wise developments in India 12
7 Conclusion 12
8 References 13

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1 Introduction
Over the years demand for electric vehicles in India has been increasing. India is one of the
top ten automotive markets in the world today and having highly increasing middle-class
population with buying potential and the steady economic growth. But petrol price has
increased more than 50% in 13 different steps in last two years. Here comes the potential
need for alternative technologies in automobiles such as EVs in India. Although the initial
investment is around 1.5 times than conventional IC engine, but time has come when cost of
environment is now more of a concern than the cost of the vehicle.
And so as to support the adoption trend of electric vehicles availability of adequate charging
infrastructure is important as electric vehicles have limited onboard energy in the form of
batteries which need a time to-time recharge depending on their size and capacity of energy
storage. The Central Government schemes such as NEMMP (National Electric Mobility
Mission Plan) in the year 2013 in-order to conserve fuel by promoting electric and hybrid
vehicles and FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) in
2015 which aims to develop the market and technologies necessary for use of electric
vehicles. Together they want to improve EV sales by 40% in the country by 2030. To address
the same the Government of India has proposed to the Union Ministry of Power to supply to
the “minimum skeleton network” that they would set up across the country as a part of
FAME where 4000 from the intended number of charging stations by 2030 would be set up.
The IEA study took an in-depth look at the charging infrastructure and travel patterns all over
the world. These areas are actively pursuing development goals through different innovative
policies and programs.
1.1 Comparison between expenditure on EVs and IC engines
Considering present day prices, the following is a comparison of Nissan Leaf and Swift Dzire
run on petrol.
Swift Dzire Nissan Leaf
Manufacturing price 6 lakhs 30 lakhs
Fuel/ electricity cost 93 rupees per litre 4.3 rupees per kwh
Storage capacity 37 litres 40 kwh
Consumption 23 km/l 17.2kwh/100km

Even though the initial cost of an EV is high with its added infrastructure requirements over
the years it is evidently very economical with growing standardized charging structures. It
also helps conserve fuel resources of petrol and diesel. Environment can be further conserved
by using renewable energy sources for generation of electricity.

2 Requirements of installed Charging Infrastructure

EV charging equipment is designed and installed to keep the passenger and the vehicle safe
during the process of recharging. It is engineered to facilitate simple and convenient
operation. The following are requirements of full-fledged PCI network aimed by FAME.

 At least one Charging Station should be available in a grid of 3 Km X 3 Km. One

Charging Station set up at every 25 Km on both sides of highways or roads.

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  For long-range EVs such as SUVs, buses, trucks etc., there should be at least one Fast
Charging Station with Charging Infrastructure
 Specifications at every 100 Kms, one on each side of the highways or road located
preferably within or alongside the stations.
 Within cities, such charging facilities for heavy-duty EVs shall be located within
Transport areas, bus depots etc.

2.1 Safety Features

The EVSE charger is designed to function without any user interactions. The following are
few of the common features of these chargers:
 Auto restart in the events of power outage.
 Breakaway safety cable.
 Integrated cable storage.
 Auto short circuit and ground fault shut-off.
 Ground fault monitor: eliminates the need for monthly user testing.
 Power sharing: senses other large electrical loads in use and pauses vehicle charging
until the load is off.
 Power and charging indicator lights.
 Regulated electrical current: Ensures that the optimal current is provided and falls
within the maximum current the EV can handle. This eliminates the need for the user
to manually adjust the charger.
 Safety lock-out feature: Prevents current from flowing when the charger isn’t
connected to an EV.
 Safety outlet: Vehicle connection cable must be properly and completely inserted
before power will begin flowing.
 Automatic disconnect: When a hardware fault is detected, power is shut off, to avoid
risks like battery damage, an electrical short or a fire.

2.2 EVSE Standards for India

The Ministry of Power has issued the guidelines and standards for India's charging
infrastructure. Setting up public charging stations will not require a license, as long as it
meets the technical and performance standards and the protocols, as laid down by the
Ministry of Power and Central Electricity Authority. In fact, for setting up a public charging
station, the power distribution company will provide proper connectivity on priority. ETD 51
Committee with the participation of all stakeholders has extensive deliberations and have
finalized the following standards.
 IS:17017-1, general requirements and definitions of EVSE
 IS:17017-21, EV requirements for connection to AC/DC supply
 IS:17017-22, AC EVSE
 IS:17017-23, DC EVSE
 IS:17017-24, control communication between DC EVSE and EV

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  IS:17017- Part2, standards for plugs, socket outlets, vehicle couplers and vehicle
inlets
 IS/ISO:15118, a series of seven documents which has standards of communication
between EV and EVSE adopted as they were from ISO15118

2.3 Government Schemes and Guidelines

National e-
NEMMP FAME India 1 mobility FAME India 2
programme
2013 2015 2018 2019

2.3.1 NEMMP
In 2013, the Government of India launched NEMMP 2020, intending to reduce dependence
on crude oil for transportation by promoting EVs in India. It is a National Mission document
providing the vision and the roadmap for the faster adoption of EVs and their manufacturing
in the country.

2.3.2 FAME India Scheme Phase 1

Launched by DHI (development of heavy industry) FAME India Scheme for implemented in
April 2015 for a two-year duration with the main objectives being acquiring pilot project,
increasing demand of EVs, creating technological platform and building charging
infrastructure. Cabinet approved an outlay of INR 0.3 billion for charging infrastructure out
of the total allocated INR 7.95 billion.

2.3.3 National E-Mobility Programme

Launched in 2018, the program targets more than 30% of vehicles to be electric by 2030. In
addition, the programme, envisaged that no licensing to setup charging infrastructure in India
would be required and the tariff would be less than INR 6.

2.3.4 FAME India Scheme Phase 2

Based on the experience gained in the Phase-I of FAME India Scheme, it was observed that
sufficient bandwidth of charging infrastructure is required to achieve expected outcome of the
plan, which is being addressed presently in Phase-II of FAME Scheme notified on 8th March
2019. Under FAME II India Scheme INR 10 Billion (INR 3 Billion for FY 2019-20; INR 4
Billion for FY 2020-21; INR 3 Billion for FY 2021-22) has been allocated for the
establishment of charging infrastructure. 241 charging stations for electric buses were
sanctioned under the scheme.
 The scheme aims to support through subsidies, 7090 e-Buses, 5lakh e-3 Wheelers,
55000 e-4 Wheeler passenger cars, 10lakh e-2 Wheelers.
 The scheme proposes to offer the buyer one fast charger for every 10 electric buses
and one slow charger per electric bus.

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  Funding available for the establishment of charging infrastructure to the extent of
100% of cost involved.
 Six projects for setting up of EV charging infrastructure have been funded under this
Scheme. These include four solar projects, with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
(BHEL) and Rajasthan Electronics & Instruments, Jaipur (REIL) setting up two.

2.3.5 Guidelines from Indian Ministry of Power

 Private charging at residences or offices shall be permitted. DISCOMs may facilitate

the same.
 Setting up of Public Charging Stations shall be a de-licensed activity and any
individual or entity is free to set up public charging stations
 such stations that meet the technical as well as performance standards and
protocols by Ministry of Power and Central Electricity Authority from time to time.
 Any person seeking to set up a Public Charging Station may apply for connectivity
and they shall be provided connectivity on priority by the Distribution Company
licensee to supply power in the area.
 Any Charging Station or Chain of Charging Stations may also obtain electricity from
any generation company through open access.

2.4 Minimum infrastructure of PCS

 A transformer with subsequent substation must be installed along with safety equipment
 For the purpose of metering/ termination, there should be a 33/11KV Cable with related
equipment.
 Appropriate Civil works should be there
 There should be adequate space for charging and Entry / Exit of Vehicles
 Necessary local certifications, if any required.
 Public Charging Stations shall have, one or more electric kiosk or boards with the
installation of all the prescribed charger models
 Tie up with at least one online Network Service Providers to enable advance remote or
online booking of charging slots by EV owners. Such online information to EV owners
should also include information regarding location, types and numbers of chargers
installed or available.
 Share charging station data with appropriate DISCOM and to maintain appropriate
protocols as prescribed by such DISCOM for this purpose. 
 Every PCS shall be operational only after inspection and clearance as communicated by
a suitable clearance certificate, by the concerned electrical inspectors or technical
personnel designated specifically by the respective DISCOM.

3 Components of Charging Infrastructure

The EV charging station comprises an Electric Vehicle charger, Power Grid, Facility Meter,
Energy Controller, Software platform, Network operating centre, and other relevant
components.

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3.1 Electric vehicle charger

There are 3 levels of charging available here in India which are further classified on the basis
of AC/DC supplies

 Level-1/slow EV Charging (120 Volts): Level-1 electric vehicle charging supports

120 volts and can be done using a power cord and a control box that comes with most
electric vehicles. Level-1 charging is very convenient and can be done at home.
Level-1 EV chargers do not incur any installation cost and can simply be plugged in.
The only drawback with level 1 chargers is that it takes approximately 16-18 hours to
charge a 60-kWh vehicle.
 Level-2/moderate EV Charging: Level-2 electric vehicle charging equipment
supports currents up to 240V AC and requires installing electric vehicle supply
equipment (EVSE) and electric wiring capable of handling higher voltage power. The
time taken to charge a battery depends on its capacity and the pace at which it is
charged. Charging through Level-2 chargers is much faster than Level-1; a 7 kW EV
charger takes 7 to 8 hours to charge a 60-kWh vehicle. Level-2 chargers can be used
for domestic or workplace environments such as homes and apartments, small
workplaces, hospitals and retail stores.
 Level-3/rapid EV Charging (480 Volts): Level- 3 EV charging, also called DC fast
charging, can charge compatible vehicles up to 80% in as little as 30 minutes. Level 3
chargers convert high voltage AC power into DC power for direct storage in EV
batteries. DC fast charging is primarily designed for public charging stations. These
systems are quite expensive as compared to level-1 and level-2 EV chargers. It takes
approximately 20 to 30 mins to recharge an electric vehicle using DC (level-3)
charging. DC (level-3) EV chargers have commercial applications as they are the
right fit for vehicle fleets and public transport, such as electric buses, that require fast
charging and can accommodate a large number of vehicles simultaneously.

Public Charging Stations shall have, one or more electric kiosk or boards with the
installation of all the charger models as follows:

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It is also imperative to consider the range of the electric vehicle after charging the vehicle for
an hour. The efficiency of an electric vehicle does not entirely depend on the power that it
accumulates from the charging station; it also depends on external factors such as traffic,
temperature, acceleration, and more.  3 to 7 kwh of stored energy (in the battery) enables the
vehicle to travel between 15 and 30 miles. This quantum of charge can be obtained in an hour
from an AC level 2 charger. Rather than recharging the EVs from empty to full, EV owners
prefer to do a top-up charge. A top-up charge is typically when the vehicle is charged to its
maximum capacity without waiting for the battery to run empty.

3.2 Power Grid and Distribution network

The impact of EVs as an emerging electrical load for power grid has drawn increasing
attention most recently. The possible challenge for power grids lies in that the penetration of
large number of EVs may trigger extreme surges in demand at rush hours, and therefore,
harm the stability and security of the existing power grids. Nevertheless, there are also
potential opportunities for power grids. An optimal scenario is to dig the potential of EVs as
moveable energy storage devices, which means EVs withdrawing electricity from grid at off-
peak hours and then feeding back energy deposited in the onboard batteries to grid at peak
hours. The interconnection of EVs in distribution grid urges the need to examine several
issues such as the impact on the grid, the way that EVs should charge/discharge and the
limitations of this process as well as the benefit or not of the Distribution System Operator
(DSO) in such conditions. Furthermore, the operation of a small distribution power system is
focused on the under what rules they should charge/discharge and which is the best charging
technology.
One way of enhancing the power grid is to increase renewable energy production. But Indian
power sector is yet to meet the demand completely. Hence comes the need for smart grids.
Smart grids introduce a two-way dialogue where electricity and information can be
exchanged between the utility and its customers. Its developing network of communication,
controls new automation technologies and tools working together to make the grid more
efficient, reliable, secure and greener. Smart grid enables other technologies to be integrated
thus making the grid autonomous and efficient. The major aim of smart grid in India is to
optimize the demand side management rather than generation side. Each home will have an
energy management system in order to reduce use of electricity from the grid and
rescheduling the charging time.

Roll of the Communication network: The electric energy is transferred only via the
distribution grid, which limits the energy flowing in the transmission lines - transportation
network. The other problem is that to know whether the road vehicles flux and the power
available at the charging station network are in real time balanced. This increases the
difficulty of EVs charging management. Grids, with flexible control characters, have the
potential to successfully manage the load. Thus, communication network, no matter what
type it is, is indispensable to be the information exchange bridge between the transport
network and the power grid.

3.3 Power Storage System

 Battery: At EV charging stations, the batteries are primarily lithium-ion batteries,

consisting of cells, packs, BMS (battery management system) to manage control of

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 the charge and discharge of the battery. The following are a few types and features of
available models of lithium-ion batteries:

 Power Conversion System: The power conversion system for the EV charging

station comprises an inverter, its enclosure, and thermal management (HVAC) for
batteries to maintain the battery at a specific temperature.

3.4 Software

CSS server (Charging Station Selection server) comprises of an algorithm that traces the
instantaneous location of a vehicle and taps the range available with it. It proposes all the
charging stations covering the limit. CSS communicates with other vehicles to determine
the road traffic and gives an approximate time and charge remaining, until a specific
charging station is reached. It also suggests an alternate route to the nearest charging
station in case of heavy traffic. The driver chooses the charging type and blocks a slot
considering least waiting time. The CSS uses mobile network to communicate with the
vehicle and PCSs. It also proposes the current metering scheme at particular PCS and
compares with other PCS prices. It also can be done through a demand-based metering
system where EVs will be charged according to peak time and peak load.

Navigati Location Charging Charger Waiting Slot

on Map Track Stations Type Time Booking

4 Challenges
 The tariff is to be determined by the state DISCOMs. Differing tariff policy and
prices across states result in lack of uniformity. One key factor of success of the
PCS Guidelines will be the competitiveness on discount given on the tariff for
consumption for EV purposes by various states. Domestic consumption rates

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 should apply to domestic charging. However, monitoring the domestic
consumption is a practical hurdle.
 Guidelines suggest that electricity can be drawn from any generating company
however the charges applicable for such open access have not been specified and
hence an ambiguity prevails if a generating company can earn more than the
margin.
 The existence of EVSE is hinged to an uninterrupted supply from the regional
DISCOMs. An uninterrupted supply is still a concern in many parts of the country.
 Battery Swapping is a very effective method of charging an EV and is a great
solution to break the charging time constraint however it is not currently possible
in India because of non-uniformity in the types of batteries and chargers.

5 Effects on Indian market

Although there are only 1% EVs compared to IC engine vehicles in India as of now, the sale
of EVs will rapidly increase in the near future and hence the requirement of charging
infrastructure is rising every day. Hence investors are readily taking advantage of the
guidelines laid.

5.1 Sales Trends

Sale of EVs: The following line graph depicts the sales trend of EVs in India from
January 2020 to April 2021, these sales registered are close to 6,90,000 units.

The following table shows Region-wise sales of the 14,146 units sold from the month of
April 2021
State/ Union Percentage of total sales
Territory
Uttar Pradesh 22%
Tamil Nadu 14%
Karnataka 13%
Delhi 8%
Rajasthan 8%

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 Maharashtra 7%
Bihar 5%
Assam 4%
Kerala 4%
Others 15%

Battery import trends: The cumulative Li-ion batteries in the year 2020 by India is
worth 1.06 Billion USDs, latest data recorded in February 2021 signifies the sales have
increased by 68% compared to February 2020 and 5%when compared to January 2021.

5.2 Business model

Cost of EV charging stations varies from Rs. 1 Lakh to Rs. 40 Lakhs depending on the
types of chargers and investment one is willing to make. However, considering a broader
scenario and a supply of 240V EV Station below is the estimate.

Charger Bharat
CCS CHAdeMO Type 2 AC Bharat AC-001
Type DC-001

Approximate
12,50,000 12,50,000 1,25,000 2,40,000 70,000
Cost

 New Electricity Connection (250 KVA): 7,50,000 /-

 Civil Works: 2,50,000 /-
 EVSE Management Software + Integration: 40,000 /-
 Technicians, Manpower, Maintenance etc: 3,50,000 /- yearly
 Advertising and Promotion: 50,000 /-
 Land Lease (if the land is at lease): 6,00,000 /- yearly

Total Approximate: Rs. 40,00,000 /- (First year including setup and if the land is at lease)
Annual maintenance from the second year: Rs. 10,00,000 /- (Including land lease)

Case study: If we take the above investment of Rs. 40 Lakhs, we get approximate of 500-
800 kWh per day EV power for consumption. Considering electricity utilization for 360
days at a fixed margin of INR 10 per consumption.

 200 kwh per day for 1st year: 200x360x10 = 7,20,000/-

 300 kwh per day for 2nd year: 300x360x10 = 10,80,000/-
 500 kwh per day for 3rd year: 500x360x10 = 18,00,000/-
 750 kwh per day for 4th year: 750x360x10 = 27,00,000/-
 800 kwh per day for 5th year: 800x360x10 = 28,80,000/-

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Total Revenue for 5 years: Rs. 91,80,000 /-
EVSE software management FEE of 5% on margin: Rs. 4,59,000/-

Revenue for 5 years comes as Rs. 87,21,000 /- (Excluding the annual maintenance)

6 EVSE Region-wise developments in India

Andhra Pradesh: The state plans on installing 0.1 million PCSs by the end of 2024.

This will permit all new commercial complexes, residential townships and housing
societies with a built-up area of 5,000 sq. m. to have charging stations.

Delhi: The private parking spaces in residential buildings and workspaces will be
upgraded to 20% of the space being EV friendly. And availability of PCS for every 3kms.

Karnataka: Targets to build PCS every 50kms on highways between prominent cities
and mandating charging infrastructure in public buildings.

Kerala: Mandates every building with an area more than 5000sq. m. to have a private
charging infrastructure and 20% of non-residential buildings to be EV friendly. A PCS in
every 5x5 km grid inside the city and for every 25kms on the National highways.

Madhya Pradesh: PCS at every 50 km on major roads including highways. Mandating

all new permits for housing societies, residential townships, and commercial complexes
with a built-up area 5,000 sq. m. to have a charging station.

Maharashtra: Allowing for setting up of common PCS in parking areas of malls and
residential properties.

Tamil Nadu: PCS every 25 km intervals on both sides of NHAI and State Highway. At
least 10% of parking space to being earmarked for setting up EV charging stations in
commercial buildings including hotels, cinema halls, shopping malls, and apartments.

Telangana: PCS on every 50 km within state boundaries on highways to cities like

Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Uttar Pradesh: The state plans on installing 0.2 million PCSs by the end of 2024.This
will permit all new commercial complexes, residential townships and housing societies
with a built-up area of 5,000 sq. m. to have charging stations.

7 Conclusion

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The future is EV, with strong government thrust for EV transition and hence EV charging
infrastructure, the key stakeholders have been encouraged to drive the market growth on
the back of proper regulatory mechanism and industry initiatives. EV policy incentives of
various states as well as central initiatives including lowering of GST rates and
introduction of FAME schemes have been able to set up an initial base for private
investors and tie-ups. With efficient battery disposals, increased provision of renewable
energy to the grid and the developing infrastructure falling in place we will have found
optimal energy sources not just restricted to e-mobility but a further step towards growing
industries with minimum emission and hence urbanization.

8 References

I. Guidelines To Install Public EV Charging Stations In India - Promoting Eco Friendly

Travel (electricvehicles.in)
II. Microsoft Word - 10_pp 471-476 (ripublication.com)
III. All about EV Charging Stations in India - Promoting Eco Friendly Travel
(electricvehicles.in)
IV. Creating the charging infrastructure to power EVs in India | TERI (teriin.org)
V. Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles in India: Policy and Challenges | India
Corporate Law (cyrilamarchandblogs.com)
VI. An Overview of Electric Vehicle Charging Station Infrastructure (einfochips.com)
VII. Effects of Increased Electric Vehicles into a Distribution Network - ScienceDirect
VIII. Second phase of FAME India Scheme focuses on supporting electrification of public
transportation: Ministry - The Economic Times (indiatimes.com)
IX. EV update april 2021 for india market new product launches, sales (jmkresearch.com)
X. What is the cost of setting up an EV charging station in India? | EV Duniya
XI. EV Charging Station Infrastructure in India (techsciresearch.com)
XII. What is EVSE? | Mr. Electric (mrelectric.com)
XIII. Charging Infrastructure in India evolution market trends (jmkresearch.com)

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