The Indian government is set to launch a new mobile application within the next two months that will provide a consolidated view of electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery swapping stations across the country. This initiative aims to address the current lack of interoperability among charging stations, allowing EV owners to access information about charging infrastructure beyond their specific make or model.
Led by NITI Aayog, the app development and launch have garnered support from charging point operators and equipment manufacturers, who have committed to sharing the necessary information with the app. Through this app, users will be able to locate charging stations, view their capacities, and determine whether they are operational. The app will also display details about battery swapping stations, as well as fast and slow chargers.
Additionally, the app will categorize charging stations based on their accessibility. It will identify whether a charging station is open to the public, captive (exclusive for specific EV owners), or semi-public (installed on private land but open to public use). This information will help EV owners plan their journeys and make informed decisions about charging options.
In the initial phase, the app will provide information such as charging station location, connectors available, and the charging station’s status. As the app evolves, the government plans to incorporate additional features like booking and payment options.
Currently, India has over 7,000 public charging stations, but the demand for EVs is growing rapidly. To support this surge, oil marketing companies have been allocated Rs 800 crore (approximately $108 million) to install 22,000 fast chargers at fuel pumps under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles (FAME) initiative. Furthermore, many restaurants have already installed EV charging stations and plan to add more to cater to the increasing number of EV travelers.
The launch of this app will be a significant step in promoting EV adoption in India. By providing EV owners with a comprehensive view of charging infrastructure, the government aims to boost confidence in EV ownership and encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles. As the EV market continues to expand, initiatives like these will play a crucial role in creating a robust and accessible charging network across the country.
