- Initially, a total of 47 EV charging stations will be installed
- The deadline for bid submission is September 20th, 2023
West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company (WBSEDCL) announces an initiative – 47 electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping stations. The WBSEDCL has started a bidding process aimed at selecting agencies to oversee the supply, installation, operation, and management of an extensive network.
Successful bidders are required to handle the complete setup cost and ensure the stations are operational within six months from receiving the work order. As the deadline approaches, bids must be submitted by September 20, 2023, and will be unveiled on the same day.
The path to becoming an integral part of West Bengal’s EV charging evolution involves understanding the tiered earnest money deposit (EMD) system set by the state.
Bidders seeking to establish a solitary EV charging location need to pledge an EMD of ₹36,500 (~$441). For those with aspirations of owning up to five charging stations, the EMD per location comes to ₹25,000 ($302), amounting to a total minimum of ₹36,500 ($441). For more than 25 charging stations at most requires an EMD of ₹20,000 ($241) for each location, but with a floor EMD of ₹125,000 ($1,512).
The pursuit of establishing 25 to 50 charging stations further changes the EMD landscape to ₹15,000 ($181) per location, with a minimum aggregate EMD of ₹500,000 ($6,048). Embarking on a journey spanning over fifty locations warrants an EMD of ₹15,000 ($181) for each location, ensuring a minimum commitment of ₹750,000 ($9,073) and an upper cap of ₹1 million (~$12,097).
Aspiring bidders must ensure their registration with relevant Indian governmental bodies and possess a deep understanding of the Ministry of Power’s Charging Infrastructure for EVs Guidelines. Additionally, a valid business document is a prerequisite to showcase their authenticity and capability in contributing to West Bengal’s electrifying future.
Experience in automobile, e-mobility, or EV charging sectors is preferred. A portfolio showcasing relevant projects with supporting documentation is essential.
Additionally, bidders need a minimum average annual turnover (MAAT) of ₹10 million for three of the last five financial years, along with a positive net worth during the bid submission date. For up to five locations, the MAAT requirement stands at ₹10 million. Beyond that, an extra ₹2 million per location applies.
Startups and micro/small enterprises with technical capabilities are exempt from certain criteria. Successful bidders must provide a performance security deposit of ₹54,750 per location.
Kolkata Police recently opened bids for procuring and maintaining 200 four-wheeler EVs, complete with standard accessories and regular chargers.
The Ministry of Power revised the ‘Charging Infrastructure for EVs Guidelines’ last year to expedite India’s e-mobility transition. These guidelines prioritize secure, dependable, accessible, and cost-effective EV charging infrastructure, aiming to drive widespread electric vehicle adoption in the country.
(This article is assisted by Chat GPT)
