Ahmedabad: Four years until CWG, push for EV-charging sites continues

Ahmedabad: As Ahmedabad prepares to host the Commonwealth Games in four years, the AMC's effort to establish public EV-charging stations continues. The corporation has been trying to set up the stations for five years.The AMC aimed to set up EV-charging stations at 81 locations, but the approval was granted for only 27. Of these, 21 stations are operational, and the work is in progress at six stations. Recently, proposals for four more locations were approved, bringing the total to 31 approved sites. However, no company has shown interest in setting up the stations at 50 locations of the 81 proposed. The AMC initiated efforts to reduce air and noise pollution and promote clean air and mobility by increasing the use of electric vehicles. To encourage private EV usage, a 100% vehicle tax exemption is being offered. Though the maintenance cost of EVs is lower compared to other vehicles, the e-mobility initiative's success has been limited. In 2021, the state govt announced the Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy, offering subsidies ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1.50 lakh for EVs and charging stations. The same year, a public EV-charging station was established near Kankaria Gate No. 2, featuring one regular charging point and two fast-charging points. Similar installations came up at Kankaria Kids City and Navrangpura multilevel parking. That is when the AMC identified 81 sites for more charging stations. On Feb 29, 2024, tenders were issued for installing public EV-charging stations, with a pre-bid meeting held on March 7, 2024, attended by the representatives of 17 companies. Following feedback from the companies, the tender deadline was extended, and lease terms were revised. On May 9, 2024, the technical bids were opened, with four companies participating and three qualifying. On June 13, 2024, the standing committee approved proposals from two companies to set up stations at 27 locations. In Dec 2025, tenders were issued for 54 locations, with one company applying to set up installations at only four sites. An AMC official speaking on condition of anonymity stated that private companies are not interested in setting up EV-charging stations under the public-private partnership model due to insufficient land rent discounts. The concept of public EV-charging stations is not popular in the city, as EVs are still scarce, the official said.