CESL Invites Bids for EV Charging and Battery Swapping Stations in Faridabad

Convergence Energy Services Ltd. (CESL) has launched a tender inviting Charge Point Operators (CPOs) to participate in a substantial initiative to boost electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in Faridabad.

The tender focusses on  the 'Procurement, Supply, Installation, Testing, Commissioning, and Operation and Maintenance of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and Battery Swapping Stations' at locations selected under the Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF). Under the BOOM (Build, Own, Operate, and Maintain) model, the project seeks to drive sustainable transportation within the city by enabling essential charging infrastructure.

CESL has established a single-stage, two-envelope system conducted through its e-procurement portal. Interested bidders may submit their applications from October 17 to October 30, 2024.

To participate, bidders are required to pay a non-refundable tender fee of INR 15,000 and submit an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of INR 2,12,000.

A pre-bid conference scheduled for October 23, 2024, will be conducted virtually. CESL plans to open techno-commercial bids on October 30, with all bids valid for a period of 180 days from the submission date. CESL’s project plan assigns selected bidders a comprehensive role in assessing site viability, securing power connections, installing equipment, and conducting all operational and maintenance tasks.

The installation will include both slow and fast EV chargers alongside battery swapping stations, which bidders will be responsible for financing and maintaining. The key specifications for the site assessments include ensuring ample parking space and smooth vehicle flow, making them accessible for different EV types, from two-wheelers to buses.

Additionally, each site must meet Ministry of Power guidelines, including proximity to high-footfall areas and residential communities to maximise user convenience. Bidders will also need to independently verify all seven proposed locations to determine if they align with project specifications.

Bidders will bear the financial responsibility for setting up new power connections, with payment and monthly electricity bills under CESL’s name managed by the respective CPO.

Further obligations include maintaining operational logs, procuring required parts according to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards, and handling all periodic maintenance.

The timeline for this ambitious project, as specified in the tender, outlines that the entire installation and operational process—covering procurement, supply, testing, commissioning, and maintenance—must be completed within four months from either the issuance of the Letter of Award (LoA).

The bidder will also be held responsible for any direct or indirect losses stemming from disconnection, including any delay in resubmitting payment security, which CESL will treat as an accrued financial benefit and invoice the contractor for within 30 days.

The initiative aims to foster a green transportation network that will propel Faridabad’s shift towards sustainable urban mobility solutions. Interested bidders can access further project details on the CESL e-procurement website or reach out to CESL’s Contracts Department for any clarifications.