Ministry of Power Seeks Comments on Revised EV Charging Infrastructure Guidelines

The Ministry of Power has issued a request for public comments on the newly drafted 'Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024.' These updated guidelines are intended to replace the previous versions issued between January 2018 and April 2023. 

The new guidelines cover a wide range of EV charging infrastructure locations. These include privately owned parking spaces, semi-restricted areas like office buildings, educational institutions, hospitals, group housing societies, and e-bus depots. They also apply to public places such as commercial complexes, railway stations, petrol pumps, airports, metro stations, shopping arcades, municipal parking lots, highways, and expressways.

The primary objectives of these guidelines are to facilitate the faster adoption of electric vehicles by ensuring the availability of safe, reliable, and accessible charging infrastructure. 

Additionally, the guidelines aim to provide rational service charges for EV charging, support the creation of widespread EV charging infrastructure, and prepare the electrical distribution system for the increased adoption of EV charging infrastructure.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will act as the Central Nodal Agency responsible for overseeing the implementation of these guidelines. State Nodal Agencies (SNA) and city authorities will play a crucial role in periodically mapping the geographic distribution of potential EV charging demand. They will also facilitate the installation of public, community, workplace, and e-bus depot charging stations.

In an official letter, the ministry has invited stakeholders to submit their feedback to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) within 30 days.