BHEL sets up 5 solar EV charging stations on Delhi-Chandigarh highway

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), the government-owned engineering and manufacturing company, is setting up a network of solar-based electric vehicle chargers (SEVCs) on the Delhi-Chandigarh Highway. The EV chargers are located at the resorts of Haryana Tourism Corporation at Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat and Samalkha (Sonepat). The project is covered under the FAME scheme.

Arvind Ganpat Sawant, the Union minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, inaugurated five charging stations in the series in the presence of Dr Nalin Shinghal, chairman and MD, BHEL.

BHEL says establishing EV chargers at regular intervals over the entire 250km stretch between Delhi and Chandigarh would allay range-anxiety among EV users and bolster their confidence for intercity travel.

As part of the project, BHEL has also developed a Central Monitoring System (CMS) for EV chargers with a user-friendly mobile app. The government firm says its scope of work in the project includes design, engineering, manufacturing, supply and installation of the EV charging stations along with a CMS. Each SEVC station is said to be equipped with a rooftop solar power plant to supply energy and EV chargers.

This, BHEL says, is part of its diversification initiative and to expand its footprints in the e-mobility business. It is extending its product offerings for the e-mobility segment and has equipped itself to foray into manufacturing of EV chargers, electric buses and related critical components. As part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the government of India, in-house development of EV motors, propulsion systems and fast chargers has also been undertaken by the company.