Govt to set up 50 EV charging stations across Maharashtra.

Energy minister Nitin Raut on Monday announced setting up of 50 new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for Maharashtra.

As per the announcement, MSEDCL will set up 50 new EV charging stations, including six in Thane, 10 in Navi Mumbai, 18 in Pune, six in Nagpur and two each in Nashik, Aurangabad, Solapur, Kolhapur and Amravati. The state plans a total 5,000 new EV charging stations across the state, with 1,500 in Mumbai metropolitan region, sources said.

Raut said that the cost per km for e-vehicle was very low as compared to petrol, diesel or CNG and therefore more citizens should switch to the electric variant for two-wheelers and cars.

The MSEDCL, Mahatransco and Mahagenco have decided to team up with petrol companies to set up EV charging stations in the premises of petrol pumps, he said. "If this model is a success, the next step would be to increase the number of charging stations in schools and colleges premises so that students would have easy access for charging," he said.

The state government has also ensured that electricity charges are reasonable which is INR 5.50 per unit, lower than residential power consumption charges. During night, from 10pm to 6am, the rate will be further reduced to INR 4.50 per unit.

ET