Single-window facility to install EV chargers in buildings in Delhi

NEW DELHI: Charging electric vehicles (EVs) is set to become easier with Delhi government launching a single-window facility that aims to make the process of installing private EV charging points at commercial, institutional or residential locations a hassle-free experience.

On Monday, transport minister Kailash Gahlot launched the facility, which would be available both online and through phone calls. Gahlot said, on the directions of Delhi government, power discoms had empanelled 12 vendors to facilitate the installation of slow and moderate chargers. The installation and operationalisation of the chargers will be completed within seven working days of submitting a request, he added.

“I am happy to share that Delhi now hosts the cheapest EV charging facility you can find anywhere in the country. Apart from the 100+ public charging locations that are coming up, one can now install private EV chargers at a connection cost of Rs 2,500,” Gahlot said. Delhi government is providing a subsidy of Rs 6,000 to the first 30,000 applicants for installation of EV chargers in Delhi.

“We have created an enabling environment that will in the coming times ensure more EVs will run on the city roads,” he said, adding that by increasing accessibility to charging infrastructure, all doubts or uncertainty in the minds of people about buying an EV will be done away with.

“Today’s launch of a single window facility for installation of private chargers in malls, offices, residential societies, colleges is happening for the first time anywhere in India,” said Jasmine Shah, vice-chairperson, Dialogue and Development Commission.

“It marks the completion of a year-long exercise initiated by the charging infrastructure working group of Delhi government,” Shah added.

The tariff rate fixed by the government for the electricity consumed through these EV charging points is Rs 4.5 per unit, Gahlot said. Such a facilitative process for installing EV chargers has been developed for the first time in the country, he added.

A consumer can apply through the single-window facility by either going to the respective discom’s portal or calling 7011931880 or 19123 (BRPL), 19124 (TPDDL) and 011-35999808 (BYPL). The applicant can visit the portal and view EV chargers empanelled by the government, compare prices and order online or call.

Applications can choose to opt for a new electrical connection, including pre-paid meter, to get reduced EV tariff or can continue with the existing connection. After the subsidy of up to Rs 6,000 for light EV chargers, the cost will be reduced to Rs 2,500, which can be paid upfront or through a monthly subscription payment model.