KSEB Seeks Private Participation to Expand EV Charging Network, Offers Up to 80% Subsidy

Alappuzha: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has moved to rope in private entrepreneurs to strengthen the state’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network, inviting expressions of interest from firms with proven operational and technical experience.

As part of the initiative, KSEB has offered subsidies of up to 80 per cent for setting up charging station infrastructure in public spaces. Applications can be submitted through the portal https://pmedrivekerala.kseb.in until 3 pm on January 5.

Charging stations are proposed at high-footfall locations, including city streets, shopping malls, markets and along national highways. The subsidy will cover 80 per cent of infrastructure costs such as transformers, cabling and associated civil works. However, the cost of EV chargers will not be subsidised.

Applicants must have at least six months’ experience operating a minimum of 10 fast-charging stations equipped with chargers of at least 30 kW capacity anywhere in the country. They are also required to have their own charging management system (CMS) and a mobile application to manage operations. An online pre-bid meeting to explain the project will be held at 11 am on the 24th.

Under the PM e-Drive scheme, KSEB has already submitted a proposal to develop advanced charging stations and allied facilities at 341 government-owned locations across Kerala. The implementation process for the project is currently underway, with stations to be set up at sites identified by KSEB in compliance with central guidelines.

In the first phase, the plan includes establishing more than 10 large charging hubs along national highways. These hubs will be capable of providing high-speed charging to up to 20 vehicles at a time, including heavy commercial trucks.