CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation will soon facilitate e-vehicle manufacturers to set up universal charging stations across the city.
An expert team, with Tangedco as the nodal agency, has been formed by the state government to study feasibility to bring universal charging stations for e-vehicles, all at one spot.
Presently, each of the car companies keep their own charging station with their own specifications. Some of these presently do not support fast-charging which means it would take several hours for commuters to charge their vehicle.
M Elangovan, Divisional Electrical Engineer (headquarters), Chennai Corporation, said presently, there is no universal charging in the city. “You cannot charge your electric vehicle in any given charging station as power output is low in some and some would not support fast-charging cars. Our goal is to maximize universal charging,” he said.
To charge a 3.7 KwH battery electric-scooter, it takes about five hours in normal charging to reach 100%. It reaches 80% charge in 1.5 hours and after that, it trickle charges to 100%. “We plan to discuss with the private players and make them set up fast-charging options for common purpose and give them land for it. They can also paralelly keep their own docks with their branding and the capacity they want. But they must also give universal charging ports,” he said.
With a rise in electric-vehicles, mainly low-budget cars from various popular brands, the corporation hopes this will further enhance the e-vehicle revolution in the city. The departments would also discuss with experts from IIT-Madras and Anna University on the feasibility for it. “It is likely to come in 88 locations in north, central and South Chennai areas. The ideas should be materialising soon,” he added.
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