Delhi to expand EV charging network to 32,000 stations in four years

The Delhi Government has started chalking out a comprehensive roadmap to develop a strong and reliable charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) across the national capital.

Chairing a high-level meeting on the new EV Policy on Wednesday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the government is working to increase the number of EV charging stations across the city from the present 9,000 to around 32,000 over the next four years.

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The Chief Minister reviewed in detail the power supply arrangements required for charging stations, the expected rise in future demand and the preparedness of the supporting electricity infrastructure.

Gupta said adequate power supply, the availability of suitable locations and effective coordination among various agencies are crucial to achieving this ambitious target.

Delhi Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh, along with senior officials from the concerned departments, also attended the meeting, where discussions focused on developing a practical strategy for creating a modern, fast and widely accessible EV charging network.

According to the Chief Minister, expanding the charging network cannot be limited to identifying suitable locations alone. Ensuring an uninterrupted power supply for the smooth functioning of charging stations is equally important.

Gupta also laid special emphasis on developing solar-powered charging stations, saying this would promote cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

She noted that if Delhi is to become an EV city in the true sense, it must have modern charging stations equipped with basic amenities such as seating arrangements and drinking water, while ensuring that most charging stations are capable of serving all types of electric vehicles.

The Chief Minister directed officials to prioritise fast-charging technology and convert all existing slow-charging stations into fast-charging stations in a phased manner.

The meeting also included detailed discussions on identifying suitable locations for new charging stations.

Gupta directed officials to prioritise the development of charging stations at Delhi Metro parking areas, municipal parking sites, vacant spaces beneath elevated Metro corridors, areas around Delhi Development Authority (DDA) markets, major malls, outside railway stations, government premises and large commercial hubs so that charging facilities are easily accessible to people near their residences as well as workplaces.

The Chief Minister said active support from multiple agencies is being sought to expand the charging network on such a large scale.

Effective coordination is being established with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), she added.

The meeting also agreed that detailed action plans should be prepared and work should begin at the earliest in coordination with the agencies concerned to develop charging stations equipped with modern facilities.