MC approves 25 charging stations for electric vehicles in Faridabad

Faridabad, February 23

The Municipal Corporation of Faridabad (MCF) has approved the proposal of setting up 25 charging stations for electric vehicles within the city. This is the first time that the civic body has decided to set up charging stations through outsourcing.

According to sources within the MCF, while the civic body will provide the necessary land, the task of establishing the charging stations will be entrusted to an agency sanctioned by the Union Government. Furthermore, the agency will assume responsibility for both setting up the required infrastructure and covering its maintenance costs. A Memorandum of Understanding is slated to be signed imminently to formalise this arrangement.

Land for at least 10 charging points has already been earmarked, with the locations for the remaining stations expected to be finalised within the next fortnight. The charging rate is anticipated to hover around Rs 15 per unit, of which the MCF is set to receive Rs 1 per KW. Additionally, the company overseeing the project will be eligible for a subsidy from the power department, revealed sources.

Pramod Minocha, a resident of Sector 88 who purchased an electric car last year, highlighted the challenge faced by residents of high-rise buildings who may not have access to domestic supply points, advocating for communal facilities within residential complexes.

Varun Sheokand, another resident, noted that the existing charging stations were primarily established by private entities or societies, with no provision along the NH traversing the city. Despite approximately 2,500 electric vehicles already registered in the city, the majority reportedly rely on domestic power points for charging.

Chief Engineer Birender Kardam of the MCF has initiated the process to establish a sufficient number of charging stations for electric vehicles, signalling a proactive step towards addressing the growing need for such infrastructure.