Tariff dispute emerges over EV charging at Bengaluru airport

Private EV operators near Bengaluru airport face losses as Bescom’s low ₹7.3/kWh tariff undercuts their ~₹25.5 rates, sparking calls for uniform pricing

A tariff conflict is unfolding among electric vehicle (EV) charge point operators (CPOs) around Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), highlighting the sharp difference between private operators’ rates and those of state‑owned Bescom.

Private CPOs have petitioned for a revision of tariffs and a uniform rate structure, arguing that the current disparity is unsustainable. While Bescom charges an average of about ₹7.3 per kilowatt hour, several private operators levy nearly ₹25.5 per unit. This gap has led to losses for private players, as e‑taxi operators and individual users prefer the more affordable Bescom stations.

The dispute comes at a time when EV usage for airport commutes has grown significantly. Rising awareness of cost advantages and the expansion of EV taxi fleets serving city–airport trips have driven demand. In response, charging facilities around KIA have rapidly multiplied over the past few years, catering to vehicles ranging from two‑wheelers to buses.

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Bescom has expanded its infrastructure with grid‑connected and solar‑powered charging stations. It has also introduced what is described as the country’s first “second‑life battery storage facility,” underscoring its commitment to innovation in sustainable energy. As a government‑owned utility, Bescom maintains that its role is to support citizens and promote EV adoption rather than pursue profits, and therefore it has kept tariffs low.

The Energy Department of Karnataka has published a comparative tariff table showing approximate charges across different charging types—AC‑001, AC Type‑2, CCS‑2, and DC‑001—covering Bescom and private operators such as Jio BP, Charge Zone, Tata Power, Zeon, and KSEB. The figures reveal a consistent gap between Bescom’s subsidized rates and the higher prices of private providers.

The issue now raises questions about the sustainability of private investment in EV infrastructure and whether regulatory intervention will be required to balance affordability with commercial viability.

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