Karnataka plans EV charging stations every 60–70 km on state highways

Karnataka already leads the nation in EV charging station density, & the new plan aims to further extend coverage across KRDCL’s 3,000km road network.

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Electric vehicle (EV) users travelling on state highways in Karnataka may soon find a charging station every 60-70km.

Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), in partnership with Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL), has moved to expand EV charging infrastructure across the state to facilitate mobility of electric vehicles.

The push comes amid concerns over fluctuating fuel supplies linked to the ongoing West Asia war. Karnataka already leads the nation in EV charging station density, & the new plan aims to further extend coverage across KRDCL’s 3,000km road network.Sources in Bescom said KRDCL granted permission a month ago to install EV charging points at toll plazas, bus bays, truck laybys and at its central Bengaluru office.“KRDCL has planned its facilities in such a way that you will either find a toll plaza or a bus-truck bay every 60-70km on highways. These points will have EV charging facility in a few months’ time,” a senior Bescom engineer said.

Bescom managing director N Shivashankara said: “We will have to set up and maintain these EV charging facilities without obstructing traffic flow on state highways. We are yet to sign the official MoU with KRDCL. The MoU will allow land revenue sharing at Rs 1 per kWh of electricity consumed for a period of 10 years.”

He added that once completed, the network would “provide seamless charging access to EV users”. Joint inspections by Bescom and KRDCL engineers have identified most sites as viable.

“Out of the 42 toll plazas inspected, 30 were found to be feasible for EV charging facilities,” another senior Bescom engineer said.

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