Hyundai India To Set Up 600 EV Fast-Charging Stations In Seven Years

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. has announced plans to set up 600 EV fast-charging stations across India, as part of its attempts to build an electric mobility ecosystem in the world’s third largest automotive market.

These 600 EV fast-charging stations will be installed along key highways and in major cities over the next seven years, India’s second largest carmaker said in a statement on Monday. Out of these, 50 will be set up by the end of this year itself.

A robust charging infrastructure is seen as critical to India’s transition to electric mobility. While electric cars are cost effective, despite a higher upfront cost compared to traditional cars, customers are wary of purchasing one due to range anxiety on long drives.

To address this, the Rs 10,900-crore PM E-Drive scheme has set aside Rs 2,000 crore for setting up 22,100 fast-charging stations for electric four-wheelers, 1,800 for electric buses and 48,400 for electric two- and three-wheelers. These charging points are to be installed in key cities with high EV penetration and along select highways.

To be sure, Hyundai India is doing its own bit to build the EV infrastructure in the world’s third largest automotive market.

The Creta maker, which recently listed its Indian unit after raising funds in the country’s largest initial public offering, has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tamil Nadu government to set up 100 EV charging stations across the state by 2027.

Hyundai India’s existing charging network has facilitated about 50,000 charging sessions, dispensing 7.30 lakh units of electricity to more than 10,000 cars.

Additionally, parent Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. and sister firm Kia Corp. have partnered with a unit of Exide Industries Ltd. for EV localisation in India. The deal will allow the carmakers to equip their future electric cars in India with locally made batteries. It’s worth noting here that the Creta EV will break cover early next year.