Bengaluru airport gets India's first solar-powered, 24/7 EV charging hub

In a landmark initiative for sustainable mobility, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), in collaboration with private companies is set to launch India's first solar-powered Electric Vehicle (EV) charging hub at its 224 KV power station near Bengaluru airport. This pioneering project not only marks the country's first battery storage solar EV charging station but also introduces a 400 kilowatt capacity facility capable of charging 23 vehicles simultaneously.

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The charging hub, nearing completion, features 20 fast-charging points, including capacities of 50 KW and 30 KW, designed to charge vehicles within 30 minutes. What sets this hub apart is its integration of second-life batteries with a total capacity of 45 KVA, storing solar energy for round-the-clock charging, making it the first in the nation to offer continuous solar-based EV charging.

The hub's strategic location near the airport addresses the growing demand for EV services, particularly benefiting cab drivers and the public. With Bengaluru witnessing a significant surge in EV adoption, especially for airport transportation, this facility will cater not only to private fleets but also to the general public, enhancing convenience and accessibility.

Currently, Karnataka leads with 5,765 public EV charging stations, with Bengaluru alone hosting 4,462 of these. The state's EV count has soared to 4.80 lakh, underscoring the need for robust infrastructure like this new solar EV hub.

The project, which harnesses solar energy during the day and stores it for night-time use, exemplifies Bescom's commitment to pioneering sustainable energy solutions. The hub, expected to be fully operational by October, promises to be a beacon of green technology, fostering the transition to cleaner transportation in India.