Kochi To Get 15 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Soon, A First In Kerala

The state of Kerala had earlier announced its plan to induct over a million electric vehicles by the end of 2022. This adoption of green vehicles, it now seems, will be led by the Kochi. New reports indicate that the port city will be getting the state’s first public electric charging stations soon.

The action is being empowered by public sector oil companies and is believed to put 15 working charging stations in the city shortly.

A new report citing industry sources notes that the first three charging stations will be located in and around Kochi. Bharat Petroleum Corporation will launch 14 out of the total 15 charging stations, beginning with stations at petroleum outlets near Edappally, InfoPark, and the Kerala High Court. Even Indian Oil Corporation will be having a charging facility near Edappally.

Post the initial phase, electric charging stations at Panancheri, Kolaazhi, Chalakudy, Kombidi, Chevoor, Kodungalloor, Thriprayar, Choondal, and Vaniyampara in Thrissur district are expected to be functional.

(Representative Image: BCCL)

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These charging stations will cater to both direct charging of vehicles as well as battery swapping. Citing safety reasons, the electric charging facilities be installed at least six metres away from fuel vending machines and will come with locks to avoid any accidental disconnection during charging. The facilities will also need an independent power supply line for operation.

Once the charging stations are in place, the chaos around electric vehicles will find some order. The charging times needed for a vehicle, against the number of vehicles lining up to recharge real time will reveal how viable is an EV structure for India at the moment. Till the time the range of such EVs is increased, their real time adoption will also show how long they can serve before recharging is needed.

As of now, the state is doing its part to push the transition to EVs. EV buyers in Kerala can avail a 50% concession on electric autorickshaws and 25% concession on private EVs. As more and more buyers appreciate the idea, the charging stations will prove to be helpful to cater to the growing trend in the region.