A simmering discontent over tariffs is brewing among charge point operators (CPOs) around Kempegowda International Airport (KIA), where several public and private EV charging facilities are clustered.
According to EV industry insiders, the situation stems from a sharp disparity in electricity tariffs charged to consumers. While most private CPOs levy higher tariffs, the state-owned Bescom offers the lowest rates, resulting in pressure on the utility to revise its tariff upwards.
Bescom sources told TOI that multiple private CPOs submitted petitions seeking a revision of EV tariffs and the introduction of a uniform rate structure.
“CPOs argue that the wide tariff gap is causing them losses, as e-taxi operators and private car users are unwilling to charge their vehicles at private stations,” a Bescom engineer said. Currently, Bescom charges an average of ₹7.3 per kWh at its stations, compared to an average of ₹25.5 per kWh charged by several private CPOs around KIA, significantly impacting their power sales and revenues.
EVs have increasingly become popular among airport-bound commuters due to greater awareness and cost advantages. Apart from private vehicle owners, taxi operators and cab aggregators also deployed sizeable EV fleets for city–airport travel. This led to a rapid emergence of multiple CPO facilities around KIA over the past few years, catering to thousands of EVs, from 2-wheelers to buses.
To meet growing demand, Bescom established grid-connected and solar-powered EV charging stations, including the country’s first second-life battery storage facility. EV experts point out that tariffs depend on factors such as the vehicle type, power supply costs, infrastructure investments, location, regulatory framework, and operational expenses.
Despite factoring in these elements, Bescom offers the lowest tariff, prompting private CPOs to intensify pressure for a revision. Acknowledging these demands, Bescom managing director N Shivashankar said the utility cannot adopt private pricing models.
“As a govt-owned company, we are not focused on profit from EV charging. The energy sales at EV charging stations are minimal, but in the interest of citizens and to promote EV adoption, we have kept tariffs the lowest,” he said.
