The Centre is mulling to set up at least one electric vehicle (EV) charging kiosk each at around 69,000 petrol pumps across the country to induce people to go for electric mobility.
Besides, the government is also thinking of making it compulsory to install EV charging kiosks at all Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) petrol pumps of state refiners.
Other franchisee petrol pump operators may also be advised to have at least one charging kiosk at their fuel stations. This will help achieve EV charging facility at all petrol pumps in the country.
Under the new guidelines of the Oil Ministry, the new petrol pumps must have an option of one alternative fuel.
Most of the new petrol pumps are opting for electric vehicle charging facility under alternative fuel option. However, it will make huge difference when the existing petrol pumps will also install EV charging kiosks.
There are around 69,000 petrol pumps in the country. The EV charging facility at all petrol pumps can boost e-mobility in a big way as lack of such infrastructure discourages people from buying EVs.
Moreover, the Power Ministry has also chalked out a plan to focus on Delhi National Capital Region, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Vadodara and Bhopal for creating EV charging infrastructure in cities as well as on highways to encourage people to shift to electric mobility.
Earlier in July 2020, the Power Ministry banned the import of equipment (power) from China and Pakistan.