In a bid to provide relief for electric vehicle (EV) owners, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) has announced plans to set up fast charging stations at toll plazas along the NH-48 (Bengaluru-Pune) section within Karnataka. This initiative aims to enhance the charging infrastructure and convenience for EV owners travelling on the busy Bengaluru-Pune Highway.
BESCOM officials have submitted a proposal to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to establish charging stations at ten toll plazas. The plan is to install two charging stations equipped with 120 KW CCS2 EV fast chargers at each toll plaza, according to Sreenath K, Deputy General Manager (electric vehicles) at BESCOM.
The choice of toll plazas for the charging stations is due to their secure nature, providing adequate lighting and security, thereby eliminating concerns about charging vehicles in isolated or poorly lit areas. This move will help alleviate range anxiety among EV owners, promoting a smoother and more convenient charging experience.
BESCOM has identified several locations for charging stations, including Tumkur, Hiriyur, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Belagavi, and others along the Bengaluru-Pune highway. Once the proposal receives approval from NHAI, BESCOM will proceed with the installation of charging units at these toll plazas.
While Bengaluru already has a sufficient number of charging stations, the shortage of charging infrastructure along highways has been a major concern. To address this, Bescom is also installing charging infrastructure at strategic locations along other highways, such as the Bengaluru-Chennai highway and the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway.
In these locations, charging stations will be set up within BESCOM premises. The installation of more charging stations along highways is expected to encourage more people to transition to electric vehicles, as range anxiety will be significantly reduced. Most electric cars have a battery range of approximately 250-300 km when fully charged.
BESCOM has also commenced work on an EV charging hub within the premises of Kempegowda International Airport. The hub, capable of fast-charging 20 EVs simultaneously, will be one of the largest EV charging hubs in the city. This move comes in response to the increasing demand for charging points at the airport, driven by the growing number of electric cabs and vehicles operating in the area.
The initiative taken by BESCOM reflects the commitment to bolstering the EV infrastructure in Bengaluru and promoting sustainable transportation options. With the implementation of fast charging stations at toll plazas and the upcoming EV charging hub at the airport, EV owners in the region can expect enhanced convenience and accessibility for charging their vehicles.
