Tamil Nadu adopts cluster-based approach to develop charging infrastructure, shortlists 6 cities

With an eye on mandating an all electric vehicle fleet by 2035, the state of Tamil Nadu has started in earnest to ensure that adequate infrastructure comes up in time, to ensure a smooth transition towards zero emission vehicles. 

Dr TRB Rajaa, the Minister of Industries for the state of Tamil Nadu, told Autocar, that as part of his vision to transform the state as the EV capital of the country, he is also keen on facilitating consumers with adequate charging infrastructure, by concentrating on six cities in the state to build a robust network of chargers. 

The cities of Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem, Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Trichy are on a priority list of the Tamil Nadu government, which leads from the front, accounting for 46% of the country's total electric vehicle manufacturing, to form a cluster with an adequate charging infrastructure to create decent volumes.

“We are going to focus on these areas and make sure that the infrastructure is ready, so mobility is maximised there. Charging infrastructure is something which we are concentrating very heavily on," he said, adding that the Tamil Nadu government is willing to help companies put up their infrastructure, and share their costs also, if possible, in certain zones. “We are looking for big players to come into the charging infrastructure space. I think we will be able to pull them in very soon with our incentives,” he added.

The state wants to ensure that the infrastructure that is being established in places, takes into consideration the personal owner and the shared mobility space, he added.

On building charging infrastructure, he said, the key is high power inputs.
Crediting the neighbouring state of Kerala as an example, the Minister said that the state (Kerala) had done a good job on this, where they opened up their sub-stations.

“So, when you have your charging infrastructure closer to the sub-station, then a part of the problem is solved. It is not going to solve all our problems, but it is a good place to start,” he said. Further explaining how they were learning from states that were performing well, he said that in Tamil Nadu, wherever there are sub-stations, they are trying to bring in plug-in stations there, so “that will solve the mental block of all those who want to purchase EV vehicles.”

To be sure, the state of Tamil Nadu is one of the largest automobile clusters in the country, which aims to create a complete ecosystem for electric vehicles, to achieve its vision of becoming the first and final stop for investors.