BPCL awards contract for 1,400 EV fast chargers to Lubi Industries

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has selected Lubi Industries to install 1,400 fast DC electric vehicle chargers across its retail outlets in India. The contract includes manufacturing, supply, installation, and commissioning of 60kW DC chargers.

The project aims to expand India's EV charging infrastructure, which currently lags behind the growing number of electric vehicles on the roads. According to government data, India had approximately 7,000 public charging stations as of December 2023.

Lubi Industries will manufacture the chargers domestically, aligning with India's push for local manufacturing in the EV sector. The company has stated that its charging units are designed for sustained operation and comply with regulatory standards.

"We are partnering with BPCL to contribute to India's EV infrastructure. Our charging solutions will provide reliable service for EV users," a Lubi Industries management representative said.

BPCL, one of India's leading oil marketing companies, operates over 20,000 retail outlets nationwide. The company has been diversifying its business model to include EV charging services as part of the government's initiative to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The Indian government has set a target for 30% of all vehicle sales to be electric by 2030. To achieve this goal, the Ministry of Heavy Industries introduced the FAME-II scheme with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore to promote EV adoption and charging infrastructure development.

Industry analysts expect the expansion of charging infrastructure to address range anxiety among potential EV buyers, which has been identified as a key barrier to EV adoption in India. The installation of these chargers is expected to begin in the coming months.