All You Need to Know About Public EV Charging in India
Due to increasing pollution in India, using an electric vehicle can be a great alternative to
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About Public EV Charging Infrastructure in India
The availability, affordability, and being an eco-friendly option, electric vehicles in India have made people move to this modern and innovative technology. Not only are they better for the environment but also more economical when compared to cars that run on gasoline. However, they are also prone to several risks that can be reduced with the right car insurance for your EV.
However, one sure thing is that the shift towards electric vehicles will come easily if the public charging stations in India are available in sufficient numbers. The Government has taken multiple initiatives to increase the development of public EV charging points across the country.
So far, India has installed over 1200 public EV charging stations in top cities like Surat, Pune, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, etc. The Government has also involved private and public agencies like NTPC, BEE, EESL, etc. to further enhance the public EV charging infrastructure in India.
The Government has also planned to further expand the Public EV charging infrastructure across the country. In this regard, the Oil Corporation has planned to launch 22,000 more EV charging stations on National Highways and other prominent cities in India.
Where Can I Find Public EV Charging Stations in India?
India is slowly marching towards making more and more EV charging solutions readily available to electric car users all over the country. If you are planning to purchase an electric car or are struggling to charge one, here is how you can find public electric vehicle charging stations in India.
Electric Vehicle Manufacturers EV Charging Stations
Every electric car manufacturer in India provides electric vehicle charging stations of their own. You can easily find an EV charging station at your nearby automobile dealer store. You will also be able to locate an electric vehicle charging station from the automobile manufacturer from where you have bought your electric car.
Moreover, some automobile manufacturers have set up dedicated EV charging stations at public places like shopping malls, public gathering places, major tourist spots, etc. to help people charge their electric vehicles with ease. They also offer dedicated customer care services that help customers locate nearby electric vehicle charging stations.
Google Maps
Another easy and quick way to locate EV charging solutions for your electric car is by using Google Maps. With increasing technological advancements, Google Maps have started showing nearby electric vehicle charging stations that you can find simply by searching for one.
Moreover, Google also offers the option of Android Auto services, which integrate with Google Maps and your EV system so that you can find an EV charging station near you.
EV Charging Station Locator App
There are many charging station locator apps available for both Android and iOS users that use the geotagging features to locate a nearby electric vehicle charging station. With the help of these apps, you can quickly search for an electric vehicle charging station near you and get its direction.
You May Also Read - Things to Know Before Buying Electric Car Insurance
Things to Consider when Looking for EV Charging Stations
Make sure to consider these points before looking for an electric vehicle charging station in India:
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How Far is the Charging Station?
One of the most important factors is the distance between your location and the EV charging station. There may be cases when you do not have enough charging left to go very far for a charging station. Therefore, make sure to consider reaching a nearby charging station before your car’s battery is dead.
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Is It Compatible with Your Car?
There may be instances when the EV charger is not compatible with the charging plug of your electric vehicle. With an increasing number of electric vehicles in the market, the chances of incompatible charging plugs have become common. Though the government is looking to establish standards for EV charging, there are still many charging connectors that are being used by the EV charging stations.
Thus, it becomes essential that you check the compatibility of your car's charging plug with that available in the EV charging station.
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Can You Leave Your Car Unattended?
Charging an electric vehicle is a time-consuming process. In such cases, you must check whether you can leave your electric car unattended or not. There should be a proper parking station in case your car is taking longer to charge, such as 4 to 5 hours. Thus, make sure to check how feasible it is to leave your electric car unattended at the EV charging station. To avoid any risks associated with your EV, it is also beneficial to have an electric car insurance so that you can have an extended layer of protection and financial security and drive with a peace of mind.
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How Much Does It Cost?
Price is also an important factor considered while charging your electric vehicle from a public EV charging station in India. While charging an electric car is less expensive than filling up a petrol or diesel one, it is still advisable to check the cost of charging your electric vehicle beforehand. Also, make sure to check the payment modes available as many stations only accept payment via online modes. So it would be better to check the cost and payment modes available before choosing an EV charging station for your electric vehicle.
You May Also Read - Why Electric Car Insurance is Expensive
EV Charging Station Insurance
Electric vehicle charging station insurance is a form of commercial insurance designed to reduce the financial risks that come with owning and operating an EV charging station. Depending on the policy you choose, your EV charging station insurance can protect you against third-party liabilities such as third party property damage or bodily injury, and even cover damage or losses caused due to theft, accidents, natural calamities, etc if mentioned in the policy cover.
