Bengaluru needs 36,000 public chargers as EV users increase to 23 lakh: Study

To accommodate 23 lakh EVs, Bengaluru will need more than 36,000 public EV chargers, 400 stations, and 141 acres of land; researchers have emphasised the importance of key locations.

Bengaluru would need more than 36,000 public charger guns, 400 charging stations, and 141 acres of land by 2030 to meet the demands of its electric vehicles (EVs), according to a study done by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy (CSTEP).

According to the study, more Bengalureans are choosing EVs over their traditional counterparts since they are cheaper to operate and emit no exhaust emissions. By 2030, the city would have over 23 lakh EVs, according to CSTEP. However, issues with battery charging must be resolved for the switch to EVs to go more smoothly.

The research also explores the impacts of establishing charging guns in the city’s Regional Transport Office (RTO) zones. Meanwhile, it pointed out about 400 possible charging places in nine RTO zones including metro stations, IT parks, fuel stations, and shopping malls. The estimated land for establishing such infrastructure is 141 acres, which is approximately the same amount of area needed for almost 700 petrol pumps.

Moreover, a commercial analysis was also carried out by researchers to see whether it would be profitable for EV charging companies to install charging stations in Bengaluru city. Based on the findings, it is anticipated that the city's charger utilisation rates will range from 25% to 50% by 2030. The associated fees for different kinds of charger guns can be set at a maximum of Rs 11 to 15/kWh.