Bengaluru: Rising air pollution is ringing the alarm bells and the state government is trying to encourage people to switch over to electric vehicles to bring down the pollution levels. In its latest initiative, Bescom is planning to set up 650 electric charging stations across the state.
Of these, 100 will be in Bengaluru, said a senior Bescom official from. “Already the work for 110 charging stations has begun in the city and this will be set for inauguration by the end of August or September. Apart from these stations, another 100 will be added to ensure that charging stations are easily available to electric vehicle users,” he said.
The officer said that the proposal for 650 charging stations was made under Faster Adoption and Manufacturing Hybrid and Electric vehicle (FAME). ‘This project will be taken up on a priority basis as the state government wants Bescom to play a major role in encouraging people to use electric vehicles keeping in mind the current pollution levels,” he said.
Another officer said that Bescom is also planning to set up a few charging stations on Bengaluru–Tumakuru and Bengaluru-Mysuru highways. “We can already see a slight increase in people using e-vehicles and we assume that the numbers will double in the coming years and we should be prepared to provide the required facilities. That is the reason why we are planning these charging stations.”
He said that once the charging stations are launched, there will be confidence among people to use electric vehicles without the fear of running out of power, as stations will be located at accessible points.
Cost per recharge?
When asked about the price for charging a vehicle, a Bescom officer said that nominal charges will be fixed for now, but the actual price will be decided later. “We can assure the people that the price won't be on the higher side, as the main motive is to encourage people to use electric vehicles,” he said.
