New Delhi: State-run EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Limited) is set to install a total of 162 EV charging stations in Noida under the FAME India Scheme Phase-II of Department of Heavy Industry (DHI). An agreement has been signed between EESL and NOIDA (New Okhla Industrial Development Authority) in this regard to promote electric vehicles (EV) and install public EV charging stations & related infrastructure in the city. The partnership will also facilitate the creation of an infrastructural ecosystem to accelerate e-mobility uptake as the nation emerges from the lockdown post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Commenting on the signing of the agreement, EESL Managing Director Saurabh Kumar told PSU Watch, "The agreement is the first one signed between EESL and the state of Uttar Pradesh and the Noida Authority for the setting up of EV charging stations. And it will go a long way in ensuring the availability of charging facility in the satellite city."
The Noida authority has sanctioned 162 Public EV Charging Stations (PCS), comprising 54 Bharat DC001 (15kW) and 108 122kW (50kW CCS2+ 50kW CHAdeMO+ 22kW Type2) Fast Chargers. EESL is the selected organization for the deployment of public charging stations in NOIDA City. According to a source, who spoke to PSU Watch on the condition of anonymity, the project is expected to cost Rs 40 crore.
EESL will make an upfront investment on services pertaining to the agreement, along with the operation and maintenance of public charging infrastructure by qualified manpower. The NOIDA authority will be responsible for the provision of space for the charging infrastructure. The initiative is estimated to save over 3.7 tonnes of CO2 emissions per e-car per year.
"With its innovative model of demand aggregation and bulk procurement, EESL receives electric vehicles and chargers at a significantly discounted rate vis-à-vis the actual market value. Further, with access to low-cost funds, the overall cost of the project becomes competitive. With this, EESL has established a sustainable business model which is affordable for end consumers," said an official statement released by the Ministry of Power.
The agreement was signed by NOIDA Authority's General Manager AK Tyagi and EESL's Executive Director (Growth) Amit Kaushik in the presence of NOIDA Authority's CEO Ritu Maheshwari.
Speaking at the agreement-signing ceremony, Maheshwari said, "Developing a sustainable landscape with strong supporting EV infrastructure is the key to cultivating consumer confidence in electric vehicles. This will significantly enhance consumer convenience as well. With the increasing penetration of EVs, the local pollutants emission levels are also expected to reduce, leading to cleaner air and several public health benefits."
Kaushik said, "Electric Vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of the world's agenda to move towards a sustainable future and EESL is proud to be progressively leading initiatives to promote EV adoption in India under its national e-mobility programme. We are pleased to partner with NOIDA authority to co-create synergies to set up Public EV charging infrastructure in Noida."
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