Kerala’s ‘Refresh and Recharge’ initiative for EV charging infrastructure

Kerala has introduced a new approach to managing EV charging infrastructure through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. As India advances in EV adoption and road transport decarbonization, challenges such as the demand for charging infrastructure, lack of user-friendly systems, and payment interoperability persist. To address these challenges, Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL), the state nodal agency for EV infrastructure, has launched the ‘Refresh and Recharge’ initiative.

This programme focuses on upgrading public charging stations through the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model. Under this framework, 63 KSEBL-owned charging stations are open for private investment to enhance facilities and streamline operations. The programme also includes additional amenities such as cafeterias and restrooms to improve convenience at charging locations.

The initiative includes features designed to enhance EV charging accessibility. The upgraded infrastructure will incorporate improved discoverability, standardized charging processes, and an app-less payment system compatible with multiple payment methods, including UPI. KSEBL is testing an AI-powered system to provide a uniform user experience. Real-time data, such as charging station availability, waiting times, and charger gun status, will be integrated into navigation platforms like Google Maps to support efficient usage.

EV users currently require multiple payment wallets for different chargers. According to an official statement, the app-less system is intended to simplify this process by allowing various payment methods without the need for dedicated applications. KSEBL is in the process of formulating guidelines for the implementation of this AI-driven system across the state.

The ‘Refresh and Recharge’ initiative offers investment opportunities by combining EV charging with commercial facilities. KSEBL will lease designated land to investors at a nominal fee. Investors will be responsible for upgrading the infrastructure with four CCS2 charging guns, a cafeteria, and restrooms, while ensuring a minimum energy consumption at each station. The selected operators will have the right to manage the stations for ten years.

Kerala was one of the early adopters of an Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy and has a significant EV adoption rate, mainly among private vehicle owners. The ‘Refresh and Recharge’ initiative aims to enhance the state’s EV infrastructure and expand access to charging facilities.

Also read: EKA Mobility, KPIT, and BPCL collaborate to deploy hydrogen fuel cell bus in Kerala