Bengaluru: Bescom to set up 11 more charging stations for electric vehicles

Bengaluru: With the city being home to first electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, Bescom is planning to install 11 more such stations. The Energy Department has approached the Centre for funds to set up these stations.

Bescom Managing Director Rajendra Cholan said, "We are looking at seeking financial assistance to set them up and we are also studying the issue. But we have not taken any decision yet on taking financial aid from the Centre. There will be a detailed study and the issue will be discussed with other senior officers in detail, and only then a decision will be taken. The Centre has asked us if we have surplus energy to supply to charging stations and we have told them we can supply power without any hassles."

Another Bescom officer said that there are not many takers for charging stations as the city does not have many electric vehicles yet. "Discussions are on about using electric vehicles at government offices for official purposes and also creating awareness among the people about electric vehicles to reduce pollution," he said.

"There also plans of opening charging stations on highways connecting Mysuru, Tumakuru and Chennai, which would encourage people to use electric vehicles for long-distance journeys," he said.

Asked when the charging stations will be ready, he said, "One station is functioning at the Bescom headquarters already, while works on the remaining stations were stalled because of the model code of conduct. Now that the elections are over, we will resume the work and complete it soon. A few private companies have expressed interest in setting up charging stations. We at Bescom will provide the complete technical support t any private player who wants to set up charging stations."