The government is actively encouraging state-owned oil companies to establish a dependable network of charging stations, aiming to alleviate range anxiety for electric vehicle drivers. This initiative is vital for the swift transition to electric mobility in the nation, supporting the government’s goals to reduce expensive fuel imports and tackle widespread pollution.
Approximately 10,000 fuel stations throughout India now provide electric vehicle (EV) charging services, reflecting traditional energy suppliers’ determination not to fall behind in the nation’s rapid shift towards electric mobility, as indicated by data from the oil ministry.
Indian Oil, the country’s leading fuel retailer, has installed EV charging stations at over 6,300 locations, the oil ministry data reveals. Hindustan Petroleum boasts more than 2,350 outlets with EV chargers, while Bharat Petroleum has equipped over 850 outlets. In the private sector, Shell has over 200 outlets with EV charging facilities, and Nayara Energy has just under 200 outlets. The Reliance Industries and BP joint venture has equipped less than 50 retail outlets with EV chargers.
To facilitate the widespread adoption of electric mobility and reduce reliance on costly fuel imports and pollution, the government is urging state-operated oil companies to create a robust network of charging stations to alleviate range anxiety among EV drivers. The oil ministry has required all petrol stations opened after November 2019 to include an alternative energy source, such as CNG, biogas, or EV charging, alongside petrol and diesel.
Indian Oil, HPCL, and BPCL collectively aim to install EV charging stations at 22,000 pumps, having achieved roughly 40% of this target. These companies are not only focusing on urban areas but also establishing charging facilities along highways.
These corridors, spanning over 30,000 km across highways, include routes like Chennai-Trichy-Madurai, Chennai-Bengaluru, and Bengaluru-Coorg. Shell, which primarily has EV chargers in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, offers cafes and car care services at its stations for customer convenience while charging. Other oil companies are also integrating convenience stores, eateries, and various services at their outlets to generate additional revenue.
