Govt considering setting up EV chargers at 69,000 fuel bunks

The Government of India is considering the installation of charging points for electric vehicles (EV) at 69,000 fuel stations across the country. Under the new guidelines of the oil ministry, new petrol pumps must have an option of one alternative fuel. This step is being taken to encourage people to adopt EVs in the country.

At present, the lack of charging infrastructure is the major factor preventing people from adopting EVs. While most new fuel stations are opting to have EV charging kiosks, the setting up of such kiosks at existing fuel stations will provide a boost to the electric vehicle industry.

The government might make it mandatory for Company-Owned, Company-Operated (COCO) petrol pumps of state refiners to install EV charging kiosks at their fuel stations, while franchisee petrol pump operators might be advised to install at least one charging kiosk at their fuel stations.

The power ministry plans to concentrate on setting up an EV charging infrastructure in the cities and on the highways around Delhi National Capital Region, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Vadodara and Bhopal. The government is also planning a complete electrification of public transport in Delhi followed by other cities.

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