Bengaluru: A significant milestone in the city’s electric vehicle infrastructure is nearing completion. The country’s inaugural solar-based battery storage electric vehicle charging centre, capable of operating 24 hours a day, is being constructed near Kempegowda International Airport in Devanahalli. The project, undertaken in collaboration with private organisations, is expected to be operational by the end of September.
The charging hub boasts a capacity to charge 23 vehicles simultaneously, thanks to its 20 fast charging points and three common charging points. The fast charging points can fully charge vehicles within half an hour to an hour, while the common charging points offer slower charging times.
The project, a joint venture with GIZ and Noonam companies, features high-capacity fast charging points of 50 kW and 30 kW, along with common charging points of 7.5 kW and 3.3 kW. The innovative aspect of the hub lies in its integrated system, which utilises two 45 kW life batteries to store solar energy during the day and provide 24-hour charging services at night. Additionally, second-life car batteries will be employed for solar energy storage.
The increasing number of electric vehicles in Bengaluru and the state has necessitated the establishment of such charging infrastructure. While the airport premises have EV charging points, they are currently limited to airport vehicles and private agencies. The new solar-powered hub aims to address this gap and provide a convenient charging solution for the thousands of vehicles that arrive at the airport daily.
The government’s commitment to promoting electric vehicles is evident in its ambitious plan to establish 2,500 EV charging centres across Karnataka. The Devanahalli hub serves as a model for future charging infrastructure development in the state. With Karnataka leading the country in electric vehicle adoption, the expansion of charging facilities is crucial to supporting the growing demand.