MHI releases draft guidelines on setting up EV charging stations

Releasing draft guidelines on setting up electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) aims to establish more than 22,000 EV chargers for electric four-wheelers, 1,800 chargers for e-buses and much more, according to a report by the Hindu Businessline. 

The step taken under the Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme, has been shared with various stakeholders to register their inputs/ comments, citing ministry officials, the report added.

Moreover, the scheme calls for the installation of charging infrastructure for electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws) and electric three-wheelers (e-3Ws), among other light EVs.  

The government seeks to promote participation among all of the stakeholders including charge point operators, EV charger manufacturers, state governments, urban local bodies (ULBs), government agencies, central-level ministries, discoms, highway authorities, and other central public sector enterprises (CPSEs).

The PM E-DRIVE initiative aims to provide up to 80% subsidy on upstream infrastructure (behind-the-meter infrastructure) with an investment of ₹2,000 crores for the installation of public fast charging stations.

It said that in extraordinary circumstances, the Ministry might take into account additional funding up to 100% of the project's cost, including upstream power infrastructure.

As per the guidelines, MoPNG, MoRTH, the Ministry of Telecommunications, the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Ports, and Shipping and Waterways are among the central-level Ministries that will also be required to submit proposals.

“State governments and Central Ministries are also encouraged to carry out feasibility studies to identify suitable locations for EV PCS. These site assessments will help identify potential locations based on traffic patterns, proximity to major commercial spaces, land accessibility, sufficient power supply, and potential for grid upgrades to support the additional load,” citing MHI released draft guidelines, the Hindu businessline reported.

Based on the data requested in Section 10.3, a technical committee led by an Additional/Joint Secretary, MHI, and comprising representatives from Niti Aayog, the Ministry of Power, and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), will shortlist the suggestions. Additionally, the technical committee's recommendations will be presented to the Project Implementation and Sanctioning Committee (PISC), and if approved, the project will be processed in the MHI for approval by the appropriate authority after consulting the Internal Finance Wing for approval.

"The participating State government/Central Ministry will be informed about the total number of sanctioned charging stations, with a request to initiate the tendering process, following approval by the competent authority," the statement stated.

Calculation of incentive

The MHI added that the price per kW of the benchmark upstream cost set by BEE, as updated periodically, will be used to determine the appropriate incentive that is due to State governments and Central Ministries.

Following finalisation and communication, MHI will release the incentive in three instalments: 30% of the total amount following the tender's issuance as a mobilisation advance, 40% following the deployment of EVSEs in accordance with the bid documents, and the remaining 30% following the charging stations' successful commercial operation.

The MHI said, “This amount will be exclusively used for reimbursement of the upstream infrastructure cost based on the type of charging station. The applicable incentive amount will be released to the ‘tender inviting authority’. However, the Upstream Infrastructure (assets up to the meter) will belong to the relevant Discom in all circumstances,” the Hindu Businessline reported.