The growing number of electric vehicles in India increases the demand for reliable charging infrastructure. However, universal charging station accessibility hinders ease and growth alike. Presently, there are approximately 7000 public charging stations throughout India, including highways and expressways. According to the Central Electricity Authority of India, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Delhi, and Maharastra have the highest number.
A phenomenal growth in public charging infrastructure is expected in the next few years, owing to rising number of electric vehicles on the road and the government’s plans to reduce carbon emissions. However, different providers often operate these charging stations, requiring users to sign up separately. Therefore, a streamlined solution is necessary to resolve the issue of EV charging to encourage buyers. Some prominent solutions like establishing a centralized institution and offering roaming services between operators can reduce the instability. Other possibilities like having a public charger database can also help users find EV charging stations better.
Present issues and effects
The current EV charging system in India is scattered. Different Charge Point Operators (CPOs) own charging stations, requiring users to install several apps. The confusion created results in an arduous experience, discouraging EV buyers. The charging infrastructure also lacks interoperability. Interoperability connects CPOs through services like roaming, which enhances the customer experience for EV users with seamless charging across regions.
Availability of limited types of chargers is another plaguing issue. Most modern vehicles mandate requirements that are different from the available chargers. By not expanding them or collaborating with providers of such chargers, CPOs can experience loss. On the other hand, creating an easily accessible system for EV charging can encourage buyers, thus creating new customers for charging stations.
Understanding the solutions
There are proposals of different solutions to tackle the problem of charging stations. The prominent ones are roaming services, a centralized institution for recharging station data, and a public database of CPOs.
i) Roaming services
Roaming services are familiar to mobile phone users. While traveling from one location to another, users need not change the sim card to receive the service. Proposals of similar solutions for EV charging are in the making, with several CPOs joining hands by adopting OCPI based roaming services. Introducing roaming services for EV charging makes operation easy, helps in better customer experience, and improves charging infrastructure utilization.
Most CPOs operate in a single state or city. Connecting with their counterparts in another area can benefit both operators. The original operator can charge an extra fee, and the new charging station can benefit from a new customer. Including this creates loyal users. eMSP (electric mobility service provider) can bring all CPOs under a single platform and offer EV drivers uniform subscription plans and roaming services. CPOs can agree on terms that are comfortable to all parties.
The consumers will get charging station details without choosing multiple subscriptions. The presence of uniform payment methods, such as cards and plans, will be beneficial. The change of location will generate a new navigation map with the charging station data. The automatic change reduces the hassle of finding nearby stations. Later on, other CPOs can be added to the network, expanding it for better access. Including stations on highways and expressways makes the network broader.
ii) Centralized institution
While enabling interoperability between CPOs, establishing a standard about roaming is necessary. Creating a uniform process of inclusion of government-supported stations and private operators will be helpful. The process ensures transparent operation. Boundaries such as the definite value of roaming charges, including them as a service charge, and creating proper guidelines are necessary.
Guidelines can prevent the exploitation of shared data. By establishing lawful calculations for roaming charges, users can avoid overpaying. The centralized institution can make policies that safeguard both users and CPOs.
The centralized institution, preferably neutral, can mediate between parties involved. Introducing mediation can make interoperability a convenient process for all players involved. It also reduces power dynamics. Evolving a uniform procedure for including new charging stations into the eMSP’s network lowers the struggles, making inclusion easy and transparent.
iii) Public database
A public database with information on charging stations to users can help identify details accurately, such as public stations accessible to EV drivers, charger types, etc. For customers, this reduces the possibility of reaching the wrong stations. In addition, it can help to be part of a network for the charge point operators.
It can help in creating a system easing commercial innovation alongside government standardization. The public database can help bridge public expectations and realistic conditions. It ensures space for innovation and effective collaboration of EV charging stations.
The database can also bring details of eMSPs closer to the EV drivers. Number and type of chargers, charging slot availability, pricing, plans, discounts, etc., will be openly available. Data availability reduces the chances of fraud.
Possible drawbacks to look out for
Bringing charge point operators under a single platform to ensure interoperability comes with disadvantages. It also may result in data misuse. Abuse of power may occur in the absence of a transparent and protocol-driven platform. The exploitation of data and inadequacies in monetary transactions are causes of concern.
The absence of a complaint portal makes it burdensome for both CPOs and users. There are also chances of an internal conflict between operators. Unclear government policies can invest more power with some operators. Apart from this, pricing policy can be unfair, causing customers to shift to another network provider. Some CPOs might not follow the promises made, especially regarding discounts, pre-determined prices, and card payments. The presence of a public database can malign other CPOs in the network.
Resolving these helps create sustainable solutions. Policies about pricing and facilities must be clear. Establishing a uniform process for discounting and plans is necessary. Framing policies to safeguard networks from data exploitation and customer protection is imperative. Also, CPOs’ details in a network need timely updates on the database. Establishing a neutral grievance redressal committee is crucial to resolving internal conflicts. A similar institution to address customer problems can make the system efficient. Timely meetings and checks from the neutral committee can keep all operators and networks in check and ensure smooth functioning. The good news is that some of the companies have already started working on implementing open charge point interface-based protocols for roaming services. OCPI can bring in standardization and transparency in roaming services.
Summary
The present state of CPOs in India is not uniform. While some states have many charging stations, others don’t. These stations also operate individually, requiring customers to use several apps or platforms. The rise in EVs and subsequent rise in the requirement of charging stations need a policy of operation. The CPOs working alone can be under the wing of an eMSP. Encouraging interoperability can help build a more comprehensive charging network for customers. Introducing roaming services, similar to mobile phones, makes operations easy. Also, framing policies and regulations from the government’s end makes interoperability easy and transparent. Safeguarding rights, avoiding data exploitation, and establishing proper pricing methods are priorities. Also, creating a public database open to EV drivers can help meet the demands of the public. eMSP can also offer drivers better pricing options such as post-paid services, packages for fleet operators. A neutral committee for both customer issues and operator issues can settle all conflicts. Realizing the dream of EV-dominated roadways is not far away but, proper planning and evaluation can make it hassle-free. It can also encourage new buyers.
