Karnataka unveils solar-powered EV charging hub near Bengaluru airport

Karnataka has inaugurated a state-of-the-art, solar-powered integrated electric vehicle (EV) charging hub near Kempegowda International Airport, reinforcing its leadership in sustainable transport infrastructure.

Launched by Karnataka Energy Minister KJ George, the facility is India’s first commercial centre for second-life battery system applications. The hub features a 45 kW solar power system and a 100 kWh second-life battery for energy storage, underscoring the state's commitment to renewable energy solutions.

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The integrated hub is equipped with 23 EV charging points, comprising 18 fast chargers and five slow chargers, and is capable of servicing multiple vehicles simultaneously. It is a collaborative initiative between BESCOM, the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), Bosch, and local stakeholders.

This initiative addresses the growing demand for EV infrastructure around Bengaluru Airport, particularly driven by the surge in electric airport taxis. BESCOM, Karnataka's nodal agency for EV infrastructure, has played a pivotal role in this expansion.

Karnataka, the first state to launch an EV policy in 2017, continues to lead India in the number of public EV charging stations. According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), it is ahead of other states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan in public charging infrastructure, including installations by both private and public sectors.

The new facility represents a major step in Karnataka’s push toward a greener, more sustainable transportation network.