‘Tata Power is not getting any incentive from the government for setting up EV charging stations.’

Anil Sardana, CEO and MD, Tata Power, speaks to Nilesh Wadhwa on entering the EV (electric vehicle) charging infrastructure sector, technical specifications of the Tata Power charging station and different pricing for the charger.

What is Tata Power's strategy for setting up of an EV charging infrastructure in India in FY2018 and in the next three years?
We are moving towards clean power for all and it is our endeavour to provide the best of the solutions for our country to achieve a greener tomorrow. The company plans to set up charging stations at various locations in Mumbai and is already in discussions with various stakeholders.

To which cities are you planning to expand this operation?
The company plans to set up charging stations at various locations in Mumbai. Tata Power Delhi Distribution already has five at its grid station and plans to set up these charging stations at various locations in North and North-West Delhi. They are already in discussions with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for space.

What is the typical cost for setting up of one charging point?
Typical costs for setting up a charging station will be about Rs 8-10 lakh for a fast-charging station and about Rs 3-5 lakh for a slow charging (normal) station. 

What are the technical specifications of the Tata Power charging station?
The chargers would facilitate electric car users to charge cars (battery electric vehicles such as the Mahindra e2o and Nissan Leaf) at any time safely and conveniently. The chargers can also monitor the car battery charging status and the units consumed while charging a car.

Do you have separate chargers (normal, fast and super charging)? What is the tentative charging time for EVs (like a Mahindra e20)?
It will take a vehicle like the Mahindra e2o around seven hours from zero battery to full charge on the slow charge point. It will take an hour and a half from zero battery to full charge on the fast charge point.

Will there be different pricing for the charger (normal and fast)?
Yes, the pricing for slow and fast charging will be different. However, in the initial phase, pricing will be not be a high focus issue for Tata Power; it will be to promote the cause.

Is Tata Power getting incentives from the government for setting up the charging stations?
No, Tata Power is not getting any incentive from the government for setting up the charging stations.

What is the overall strategy for Tata Power entering the EV charging infrastructure sector?
Tata Power's aim is to build a network to make it easier for people to adopt EVs and be future ready. Adoption of smart charging infrastructure will help the country achieve its ambitious plan of mass scale shift to electric vehicles by 2030.

Will Tata Power look at offering value addition services in terms of a battery swapping model?
We are exploring various opportunities to add value to electric vehicle owners and we will approach the market with them at an opportune time.

With a lot of emphasis being given to e-2-wheelers, do you plan to have a different setup for them?
Our charging station in Vikhroli also has a facility for the charging of electric two-and three-wheelers.

(This interview has been published in the September 1, 2017 issue of Autocar Professional)