BESCOM to set up EV charging stations on highways

BESCOM, under the direction of the Karnataka Energy Department, will install state-backed charging points on highways to make long drives smoother and convenient.

Under the plan, charging stations will be established along NH-48 (Bengaluru-Belagavi National Highway) with 40 different toll stations throughout the state, citing energy officials, ET reported. 

As per the state, the update is in line with the goal to build an extensive EV corridor network. 

Citing the Managing Director of Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), Shivashankar N, PTI reported, "With the installation of EV charging stations along highways, at tourist destinations, and key public locations, we are ensuring that range anxiety becomes a thing of the past. This initiative is not just about convenience. It is about accelerating the state's transition to clean energy, promoting sustainable tourism, and building a green transport ecosystem for the future”


The initiative is a part of a broader strategy to make long-distance EV travel more convenient and to establish infrastructure to keep up with the pace of the state’s increasing electric mobility needs. 

As of now, Karnataka leads the nation with 5,960 operational EV charging networks, citing another official ET report. 

The State already has all the prerequisites for being the EV corridor network, including a strong foundation. Earlier, the BESCOM inaugurated India’s first EV charging station that was powered by solar energy, near Kempegowda International Airport. The state also has the “EV Mithra app” that can locate Ev charging stations in the state. All these efforts have made Karnataka’s EV penetration rate more than 11 per cent against the 9 per cent national average.