Delhi To Get Large EV Charging Hubs At Markets And Metro Stations

New Delhi, Jun 23 (KNN) The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is moving to establish electric vehicle charging hubs at its parking lots near major markets, commercial complexes and Metro stations across the city. 

The civic body officials said that MCD has initiated site identification and written to around 10 public sector undertakings (PSUs) engaged in EV charging infrastructure, seeking proposals for developing integrated hubs at MCD-owned parking sites.

Unlike standalone charging stations, each proposed hub is expected to house over 25 charging points at a single location, catering to a mix of electric cars and two-wheelers.

Speaking to PTI, a senior MCD official said, "The idea is to create dedicated EV charging hubs at locations where people naturally park their vehicles - near markets, commercial complexes and Metro stations. These are high-footfall areas and can support a larger charging ecosystem." 

Battery Swapping and Mixed Charger Types

Battery-swapping facilities are also expected to form part of the hubs, particularly for electric two-wheelers, which make up a significant share of Delhi's EV population. 

The official noted that “battery swapping is preferred by many two-wheeler users because it reduces downtime,” allowing riders to exchange a discharged battery for a fully charged one instead of waiting for their vehicle to recharge.

The hubs are expected to include both fast and slow chargers. Fast chargers are likely to be prioritised at busy public locations, while slow chargers would serve users parking for longer durations.

Early Interest From PSUs

"Two PSUs have already expressed interest in the initiative. One proposal seeks to set up a hub with around 30 charging stations, while another proposes a facility with 27 charging points," the official said, adding that both are currently under examination by the MCD, PTI reported.

Given the scale of investment involved, the civic body is also considering security measures including fencing and deployment of personnel to protect equipment from theft and vandalism.

"These are not isolated charging points. A charging hub involves a large investment and contains expensive equipment. Operators may therefore have to make security arrangements, including guards and fencing, to safeguard the infrastructure," the official added.

Current Infrastructure and Next Steps

Delhi currently has 470 EV charging and battery-swapping stations operational across the city. The MCD is assessing site suitability, electricity requirements and operational modalities before finalising locations for the new hubs.

(KNN Bureau)