Delhi’s EV Charging, Battery-Swapping Facilities To Cross 5,000-Mark By FY24 End: Discoms

Delhi is witnessing a rapid expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure with power distribution companies setting up more than 4,500 charging points and battery-swapping facilities across the city. Officials from distribution companies have announced that the number of these facilities is expected to surpass the 5,000-mark in the coming months, with hundreds more slated for installation by the end of the current fiscal year.

According to a recent report from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Delhi accounts for 55 per cent of the power consumed at EV charging points nationwide. The BSES discoms—BYPL and BRPL—have installed over 3,100 charging points and battery-swapping stations at more than 1,200 locations spread across South, West, East, and Central Delhi. These installations include 1,260 (40 per cent) private, 1,220 (39 per cent) public, and 485 (15 per cent) captive category facilities.

In the current fiscal year, BSES aims to facilitate the installation of over 1,200 EV charging points, with 850 already operational. Additionally, there are 180 battery-swapping stations in areas under BSES discoms.

Installation Of 920 EV Charging Points In FY24

Another major player, Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (TPDDL), has successfully installed over 1,550 EV charging points and battery-swapping stations at more than 10 locations across north Delhi. The majority of these charging points (1,517 out of 1,550) are private, with 33 operated at government and institutional agencies. TPDDL has also facilitated the setup of 10 battery-swapping centers.

For the fiscal year 2023-24, TPDDL has set a target to install 920 EV charging points, of which 471 have already been put into operation. The BSES spokesperson highlighted that the charging points in BSES areas currently consume over 80 MW of electricity, and this figure is expected to exceed 130 MW in the next few months. Approximately 64 per cent of electricity consumption at EV charging points in Delhi occurs in BSES areas.

Increase in Delhi’s EV Share

The growing network of EV charging points and battery-swapping stations is seen as a key driver for the increasing adoption of EVs in Delhi. Officials emphasize that this transition has the potential to significantly reduce pollution levels, addressing a major environmental challenge in the city. The share of EVs in relation to other vehicles has been steadily increasing in Delhi, rising from about 3 per cent in 2018 to approximately 14-15 per cent at present. By December, this figure had increased to about 16 per cent, showcasing the impact of active private participation in the sector.

The expanding EV charging infrastructure is primarily localized in residential colonies and societies, hosting 62 per cent of the total private charging points. Other prominent locations include commercial premises, such as malls and hospitals, where around 35 per cent of charging points are installed. Individual houses contribute 2 per cent to the private category of EV charging points. Overall, the fast-paced growth of the EV charging infrastructure is facilitating a significant shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation in Delhi.