The government will release a software application in the two months that follow that offers a consolidated picture of charging stations for electric cars and swapping of batteries facilities. According to a senior government source, the software will additionally provide information about the capacity and placement of these stations. NITI Aayog is overseeing the introduction and growth of this. According to the officials, the owners of charging stations and the producers of the devices have all agreed to provide the necessary data with the assistance program.
Owing to a lack of compatibility, a person driving an electric vehicle (EV) from a specific brand can only see charging facilities for vehicles of that same make and model. But all of the infrastructure for charging will be displayed on the new software, including MG, Mercedes, EESL, etc. In two months, this will be accessible.
Features Of the Government’s EV Charging App
The nation now has more than seven thousand public EV charging stations. Owners of electric vehicles (EVs) have access to brand-specific information regarding charging facilities. With the launch of the new app, this brand-specific strategy is likely to alter because it seeks to offer a comprehensive perspective of charging possibilities. Here are some characteristics of the official EV charging app:
- Real-time details: Owners of EVs who are planning lengthy trips will find this feature especially helpful. If sufficient charging stations are nearby, they may check the app before starting their journey.
- Interoperability: Regardless of the brand or type of EV, this feature will assist in making it more straightforward for EV users to locate a charging station.
- Payment: This function will make charging an EV more convenient for owners. They will not need to bring money or credit cards anymore.
- Station types: This function will assist EV owners in selecting the best station type for their needs. For instance, customers can choose a fast charger if they need to charge quickly.
- Cost of fuelling: This function will aid EV users in planning their charging expenditures. They could view the prices associated with setting their vehicle at various stations.
- Ratings and evaluations from users: This function will assist EV owners in making knowledgeable choices on where to plug in their vehicles. They can also browse user reviews to learn more about other people’s opinions and experiences.
- Headlines and updates: This function will inform EV owners of the most recent changes in the EV sector. They will be able to learn about brand-new EV vehicles, governmental regulations, and advancements in the charging infrastructure.
- Social media synchronization: This function enables EV owners to alert others who follow them about nearby charging stations. They may submit pictures and videos of stations for charging on the app and remark on their experiences there.
What Benefit Does This Provide?
During the initial phase, the smartphone app will provide details such as the location of the power source, its connections, if it is working, its capacity, etc. An electric vehicle’s inbuilt charger receives electricity from a charging facility through alternating current links. The electric vehicle’s rechargeable battery receives direct current from the integrated charger, which transforms alternating power into it.
The smartphone app will also display battery-changing facilities and fast and slow charging in addition to this. It will also specify if the electrical charging station is open (o), captive (c), or semi-public (sp). Here, a captive charging facility only accepts electric cars that are owned by or under the supervision of the charging station’s owner, such as fleet owners.
On the other hand, semi-public charging stations are situated on private property but are accessible to the general public, much like visitor parking. The authorities stated, “Later, the administration aims to include services like registration and payment in the software.” In particular, because electric four-wheelers are growing in popularity, India requires an electrical charging point for every 75 of them.
Given the possibility, Oil marketing corporations have received Rs 800 crore from FAME to install 22,000 fast chargers at gasoline pumps. In addition, several restaurants have put in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in their locations and aim to add more to accommodate the rising number of tourists who own EVs.
Final Words
The EV charging environment is increasing in part because of the private sector. In partnership with Charge Zone, organizations like The Indian Hotels Corporation (IHCL) and Marriott International have set up 224 and 100 EV charging infrastructures at their facilities, respectively.
The upcoming app is crucial in India’s effort to develop a coordinated, comprehensive, and convenient EV charging infrastructure. With the presentation of the new app, this brand-specific policy is likely to change because it offers a comprehensive perspective of charging possibilities. It is predicted that it would improve the ease of operating an EV and help the ambitious clean-energy goals of the nation.
