E-vehicles: KSEB setting up fast-charging stations at slow pace despite increase in number of vehicles

MALAPPURAM: KSEB is setting up fast-charging stations at a slow pace even when there is an increase of electric vehicles on the road. Of the 56 announced two years ago, only seven have been completed so far. That too was established last week. Software and network work was not completed in some of the installed areas. The target is 30 stations with 70 per cent central share and 26 stations at a cost of Rs 8.2 crore from the Transport Department's e-Mobility Promotion Fund.

It is being set up along national and state highways in vacant plots of government departments. Six months after the list was handed over to the respective departments, no action has been taken. With this it was decided to set up charging stations in KSEB substations. The work was undertaken by three contractors based in Delhi and Gujarat. But the work was halted due to a dispute over the sub-contractor's remuneration. Covid situation and the chip shortage that followed was a setback.

Fast charging stations

Up to eight vehicles can be charged simultaneously

Cars can be fully charged in 40 minutes

16 per unit including tax

You can pay online

E-vehicles registered this year

January- 1,721
February- 2,173
March- 3,362
April- 3,347

In previous years

2021- 8,699
2020- 1,325
2019- 470
2018- 243