Himachal Pradesh Govt To Give 50 Per Cent Subsidy For Setting Up E-Charging Stations

In what could be an opportunity for the companies involved in installation of electric vehicle charging stations, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government will come up with a policy focusing on developing of electric charging stations for e-vehicles.

According to the official statement, the policy will focus on various aspects including accessibility, convenience and opening employment avenues.  He also said that private operators would also be roped in with 50 per cent subsidy for setting up e-charging stations.

The state government is developing as a Model State for Electric Vehicles. With the objective of reducing carbon emissions, electric vehicles are being encouraged with the collaboration of private and public sectors.

“Six green corridors are being developed in the first phase. The length of these corridors, comprising National and State Highways is 2,137 kms. Himachal Road Transport Corporation is also adding more electric buses to its fleet in a phased manner. I have asked HRTC to identify routes for the operation of new electric buses,” the chief minister said.  

Addressing a high-level meeting, he said that the dependence on fossil fuels would be substantially reduced by transforming public transport as electric transport.

He also said that it should be made sure that the land is scientifically suitable for the construction works.  “Construction works should be started only after a scientific study of the land on the spot. In this process, the study of practical aspects is absolutely necessary,” he added.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the physical status of the construction of solar power projects and directed to speed up the process of transfer of land for the construction of these projects. He also directed to explore the possibility of setting up Green Ammonia and Bio Gas plants to promote green energy.

He asked officials to prepare a detailed project report by October 31, 2023 for setting up the hydrogen plant on a pilot basis.

Functional EV Charging Stations In The State

Currently there are 12 functional electric vehicle charging stations in the state situation in various places including Bilaspur, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahul & Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, Solan, and Una.

There are various companies in the country which are involved in the charging stations including Exicom Power systems, P2 power solution, Magneta Group, TATA power, Okaya power group, Numocity, Volttic, Charge+zone, ChargeMyGaadi, and EVQPoint.