Bengaluru: The Bescom is planning to set up electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on highways to encourage people to use their electric cars for long-distance travel. The stations are being planned on Bengaluru-Mysuru and Bengaluru-Chennai highways for now.
A senior Bescom officer said, “We are already working on setting up of EV charging stations in the city. Simultaneously, we want to set up such stations on highways too to encourage people to use electric vehicles, as it will help in curbing air pollution to some extent and it is a minor contribution from our end, but it matters.”
He said, “For now, we are planning the charging stations on the two highways, which see a heavy movement of vehicles. We are also working to identify the places and as they are coming up on highways, there will be all the required facilities at these stations, like cafeterias, restrooms, play areas and more, as people will have to wait for at least 20 minutes before their vehicles get recharged.”
The officer said that they will write to state and central governments seeking financial and technical assistance and also suggestions on how to go about setting up these stations on highways.
Another officer said that the people are willing to travel in their electric vehicles on highways, but are worried about charge running out. “We are planning charging stations for every 25 km, just like how fuel stations are located now. Also, on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, we will take up the work only within our limits and wherever there are other Escoms, they will have to coordinate in the process and take care of the maintenance. This is being worked out and a clear picture will emerge after senior officers discuss on how to go about it,” he said.
The officer said that for now, they are preparing the report which will be submitted to the central government and are positive that they will receive the necessary support, as the Centre is promoting electric vehicles.
