Inauguration of 11 Low-Cost EV Charging Stations

Delhi’s EV Revolution gained pace as Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated 11 high-tech, low-cost electric charging and swapping stations on October 18, 2022, to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the state. The Chief Minister launched these charging stations as part of a larger project to establish 100 charging stations across the state. A special ceremony was held at the premises of Indraprastha Metro Station Parking, where one of the 11 stations has been developed. 

These locations include 73 EV charging points and 12 swapping stations. These Charging Stations have been developed at Indraprastha Metro Station Parking, Subhas Nagar Metro Station Parking, Vasant Vihar Metro station, Kair Depot, Dwarka Mor Metro Station Parking, Shadipur DTC Depot, Sarita Vihar Metro Station Parking, Mohan Estate Metro Parking, Harkesh Nagar Okhla Metro Station Parking, Hauz Khas Metro Station Parking and Parking Area Near Star Mall Mayur Vihar.

While dedicating the charging stations to the people of Delhi, the CM backed the role of his government in developing a robust statewide charging infrastructure which has radically helped in the adoption of EVs among the common man.

Focused on its pursuit of ensuring convenience to citizens buying and charging electric vehicles in the state through its EV Policy, the Delhi government launched a tender with Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) in February 2021 for 100 sites across Delhi, at one go, which will help with the addition of nearly 900 charging points & over 100 Battery swapping stations. 

As part of the larger tender, around 900 charging points and 103 swapping stations will be made operational in the next 2 months across 100 charging stations in Delhi. 70% of these sites are Delhi Metro parking areas where EV users can easily park their vehicles for charging

These would enable people to charge their electric vehicles at less than Rs 3 per unit at these facilities- the lowest in the country. To make EV charging affordable, Delhi had already introduced one of the lowest EV tariffs in the country at Rs 4.5 per unit only.

There are many unique aspects to the Delhi Government’s PPP approach to developing public charging and swapping infrastructure. The Delhi government has provided land for each site at highly reduced rates as well as electrical infrastructure of up to 100 kW. The rest of the input costs are being borne by private entities. One can charge their vehicle at these stations at a meagre cost of Rs 3 per unit. When we understand this figure in on-road terms, the cost of driving an electric two-wheeler is just 7 paise, while it is Rs 1.75 for a petrol scooter. For an electric three-wheeler, the cost is just 8 paisa per kilometre, while it is Rs 2.62 for a CNG three-wheeler. Driving a 4-wheeler EV will cost just 33 paise per km, while it is roughly Rs 7 for a petrol 4-wheeler.

Electric Revolution Taking Over Delhi

The Delhi Government has demonstrated its commitment to meeting its target of making Delhi the EV Capital by promoting electric vehicles over the last two years. Delhi is preparing to electrify its transportation sector rapidly. In the last two years, Delhi has been the first state in the country to have an average EV adoption rate of 10% in 2022, up from 12.5% in March 2022. Electric buses account for approximately 25% of all new buses introduced in Delhi, with over 1500 e-buses expected to hit the streets by December 2022. Simultaneously, the Delhi government has launched a number of novel initiatives to develop public charging and swapping infrastructure.

With the inauguration of these 11 charging stations, another 73 public charging points and 12 swapping stations have been opened to the public. Delhi already has close to 2900 public charging points and 250 swapping stations. Through the Delhi Government’s initiative, these charging points have been set up in public spaces like malls, theatres, RWAs, and office premises. In the last two years, Delhi has emerged as the first state where EV adoption rates have reached double digits, with an average of 10 percent in the year 2022 and even crossing it over the period. In the last two years, over 70,000 EVs have been bought in Delhi

In August 2020, we launched the Delhi EV policy, aimed at making Delhi the EV capital of India. Back then, we hadn't expected such a tremendous response to this policy. When we announced the policy, the goal of having 25% of all new vehicle sales be EVs by 2024 was considered very ambitious. However, in the last two years, Delhi has shown what can be achieved if the government is committed to achieving its goals aimed at serving the people. One of the key reasons for Delhi’s success is the widespread installation of charging stations across the city. Whenever we speak about purchasing EVs, the first question that comes to mind is where they will be charged.

Through these 11 electric charging stations, Delhi has given the world the most affordable model of its kind. Driving an EV after charging it here would be extremely cheap — it would barely cost 7 paise/km for two-wheelers, 8 paise/km for three-wheelers, and 33 paise/km for four-wheelers. There are 73 charging points and 12 swapping stations. At these 11 charging stations, consumers will be charged at the rate of Rs 3 per unit. In two months, 900 charging stations and 103 swapping stations will be operational. Under the EV policy, we set a goal of ensuring that 25% of total vehicles purchased in Delhi by 2024 are electric vehicles; we have already achieved 10% in two years. The Delhi Government has prioritised the installation of EV charging stations, which has played a significant role in the promotion of EVs. In the last two years, seventy thousand electric vehicles have been purchased in Delhi, leaving cities like New York and California behind.

The charging rates being provided through this tender are perhaps the lowest in the world. The EV model of Delhi is extremely unique; it can shape the path for the entire country to ride on this revolution. That being said, we are keen to adopt any good practices followed anywhere else as well. The government aggregated 100 land parcels from different agencies for this project. It is also the only initiative that provides equal footing to an emerging solution like battery swapping. I wholeheartedly congratulate the DTL, the Delhi Metro, and the Dialogue and Development Commission on this occasion. This is the beginning of an emerging movement that will make Delhi the EV capital of the whole world.

Sh. Arvind Kejriwal, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi

Who said EVs can’t run on air? With these rock-bottom EV charging rates of 7-8 paisa/km, thanks to the Delhi Govt’s unique PPP model for setting up EV charging stations, Delhiites have another reason to switch electric this Diwali. I am proud of DDC’s role in making this happen!

Sh. Jasmine Shah, Vice Chairperson, DDC Delhi