Uttar Pradesh Expressways to Install 72 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Last Updated on October 27, 2023 by SPN Editor

Electric vehicle (EV) owners in Uttar Pradesh can look forward to seamless travel on the state’s expressways as the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has revealed plans to establish 72 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations along its five expressways.

Work on this substantial project is scheduled to commence in January of the upcoming year. Out of the over 21.70 lakh electric vehicles registered in India, Uttar Pradesh leads the list with 4,65,432 EVs, followed by Maharashtra and Delhi with 2,26,134 and 2,03,263, respectively.

Although some EV charging points are currently available on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway and Yamuna Expressway, they lack fast-charging capabilities.

In response to the increasing demand for EV infrastructure, UPEIDA has identified 36 additional locations for deploying these Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on both sides of the expressways, with a particular focus on the Purvanchal Expressway. To further enhance convenience for EV owners, UPEIDA will also develop wayside amenity areas to facilitate the charging of various electric vehicles.

These Electric Vehicle Charging Stations will offer fast-charging options to cater to electric vehicle owners seeking efficient travel along the high-speed corridors. The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has established a base tariff ranging from Rs 7.30 to Rs 7.70 per kilowatt-hour for EV charging.

Previously, Uttar Pradesh has sanctioned 207 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations under FAME II, which are being installed in nine cities across the state, including Noida, Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Aligarh, Saharanpur, Bareilly, and Jhansi, through REIL and EESL. More charging stations are expected to be added along the expressways in the state.

Since these Electric Vehicle Charging Stations will be developed through public-private partnerships, the final charging rates will be determined by the service providers upon the completion of the facilities. UPEIDA is set to lease the land for these charging stations at nominal rates for a ten-year period.

Furthermore, UPEIDA has committed to supporting behind-the-meter power infrastructure by offering power generated from sources such as solar panels and other renewable energy options on its site to the service provider. This initiative represents a significant step towards promoting green and sustainable energy practices in the state.