In a bid to push mandated installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in petrol pump stations, the Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science and Technology Promotion Society (CREST) has issued notices asking them to install charging facilities within a week or face legal action.
Last year, CREST identified 13 petrol pumps across the city. These charging stations will have around 26 fast charging guns. “Installation of charging stations at these petrol pumps was found to be feasible and additional land was allotted to them,” said sources. However, only three of these 13 petrol pumps have installed the charging stations. Under the Chandigarh EV Policy 2022, “EV charging infrastructure is mandatory for all petrol pumps (both private and government-owned) operational in UT, Chandigarh in six months from the issuance of the final policy. If space is not available with the petrol pump, then the owner will make necessary arrangements for installing the charging stations in some nearby parking area.”
In a letter to the petrol pumps, CREST pointed out that petrol pumps had not yet initiated installation of EV charging stations, which “contradicts the stipulations of the UT Chandigarh EV policy.” CREST had asked petrol pumps to install charging stations in accordance with EV policy norms on earlier occasions too but most of the petrol pumps didn’t comply. The latest notice is termed as the final reminder for petrol pumps to install mandatory charging facilities.
“You are hereby instructed for the final time to address this matter within a week. Failure to comply will result in the Administration taking legal actions deemed fit against your establishment,” CREST warned.
Installation of charging stations at petrol pumps has been marred by issues like lack of space and restriction of movement of vehicles which come for other fuel like petrol and diesel.
