In the wake of increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure, Mescom has planned to open 1,000 EV charging stations within its limits in the next five years.
In the first phase, the company will open 195 charging stations under PPP mode in Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, and Udupi districts. While the company has already opened 61 charging stations, the process is underway to identify locations for the remaining stations.
While Bescom has taken up the responsibility of opening EV charging stations across the state, Mescom will implement the project in its region. A Bengaluru-based company has been awarded the contract to implement the project in Dakshina Kannada, Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts. Meanwhile, the tender process for Udupi district is yet to be completed.
Officials said Mescom will give emphasis for the convenience of vehicle owners/ drivers by providing necessary infrastructure while setting up new charging stations. The EV charging stations will be set up by the side of national highways and other government land. Mescom has already set up 61 Type-1 EV charging stations with a capacity of 3.3kv at a cost of INR 24 lakh.
While there are 17 stations in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi has 12, Shivamogga has 17 and 12 are functioning in Chikkamagaluru district. While Type-1 charging stations can charge batteries of auto rickshaws and two-wheelers, new stations will be of higher capacity where cars can be charged too. The vehicles will be charged around INR 11 per unit. The government had reduced the rate of EV charging by 50 paise per unit recently, sources said.
Mescom managing director (in-charge) HG Ramesh told TOI that the company has set a goal of opening 1,000 EV charging stations in the next five years. “Promoting eco-friendly electric vehicles is the main aim of the government through the setting up of EV charging stations,” he said.
