Bengaluru to inaugurate India’s first 2nd-life solar battery-powered EV charging station

India's first second-life battery-powered solar EV charging station established 1.5 km from Kempegowda International Airport, would be operational by the end of October, citing a Bescom source, Deccan Herald(DH) reported. 

The private-public cooperation between Bescom and GIZ, a German corporation, is expected to serve approximately 1,000 EVs each day, including 175 EV taxis introduced by Kempegowda International Airport.

Second-life batteries are ones that have already finished their five-year life cycle. However, these batteries may still be charged and used for another five years. 

According to the report, the idea intends to eliminate the disposal of used batteries while also saving expenses.  The facility spans 70 meters and contains 23 compartments. Each compartment is 7 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, and the station can charge up to 23 automobiles at one time. 

DH further reported that the station would be open 24 hours a day and would offer both AC and DC charging at the outlet, with each costing Rs 7.5 and 6.7 per unit, respectively. Beneficiaries can access charging stations using the EV Mitra application. 

The EV charging station, which cost an estimated Rs 4 crore, has a power capacity of 400 kV. Reportedly, the solar panels are expected to generate only 45 kV out of the required 400 kV. The remaining electricity would be provided by the Karnataka Electricity Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) grid near the charging station.

In a new effort to guarantee that no power generated by a solar setup is wasted, the charging station is equipped with a metering device that monitors the generated electricity. The connecting facility between KPTCL and the charging station will be used to send excess solar power to the grid. 

While Karnataka already has the most EV charging stations (nearly 5,700), it is about to become the first state to install a second-life battery-powered solar EV charger.