Today, electric vehicles (EVs) account for 7.4 per cent of the total 2.43 million vehicles sold in 2024. Consequently, there is more demand for EV charging stations and electric car charger installation. Understanding the electric car charger installation cost is crucial for people planning to invest in EV charging solutions.
Whether you are considering EV charging installation at home or setting up a public charging station, this blog explores various factors influencing the EV charger installation cost, including the type of charging station, installation requirements, standards, and the overall process of car charger installation in India.
Costs of different types of EV charging stations
The cost of EV charging stations varies significantly based on the type of charger. There are three types of EV chargers: AC slow chargers (Level 1), AC fast chargers (Level 2), and DC Fast Chargers (Level 3).
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Charger type
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For
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Charger/ installation cost
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Home setups
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Home charging ports in India typically use a standard 230-volt outlet.
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- Level 1 AC slow chargers
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Installation: Not required. Just plug it into an existing outlet.
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Price ranges from approx ₹15,000 to ₹30,000.
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- Level 2 AC fast chargers
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Require a 240-volt circuit, which can fully charge an EV in about six hours.
Installation at home requires a dedicated circuit.
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Prices range from approx ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000
Additional installation costs range from approx ₹10,000 to ₹30,000
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Public charging stations (PCS)
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PCS setup in India involves a huge financial investment, covering infrastructure, equipment, and electricity.
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- Level 2 AC fast chargers
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Best for workplaces, shopping centres, and residential complexes, offering a balance between charging speed and cost.
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Ranges approximately ₹1,25,000 to ₹5,00,000 for a 22kW Type 2 AC charger.
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- DC fast chargers:
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These are the fastest PCS chargers for premium locations and public charging stations.
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Range from approx ₹5,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 for 300 to 400kW, Type 2, CHAdeMO, CCS1, and CCS2. Installation costs can exceed ₹2,00,000 based on high power requirements and site preparation.
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Guidelines and standards for an EV charging station
Setting up an EV charging station involves compliance with specific guidelines and standards for safety and efficiency. The Indian government has taken steps to reduce EV charging installation costs to promote electric vehicle adoption. Key points include:
- EV charging installation in India is license-free now
- Individuals can choose any charger type and location (private offices and residences) and source power from any authorised service providers
- EV charging stations must partner with at least one network service provider for online booking of charging slots
- Public EV charging stations should include a mix of slow (AC) and fast (DC) chargers
- Technical standards requirements include compliance with AIS-138, Bharat EV specifications, and CEA Regulations 2010
- Safety requirements include an IP55 rating for outdoor installations, third-party safety certification, proper earthing, emergency shut-off systems, and lightning and surge protection
Setting up an EV charging station in India
The process of setting up a car charging station involves several steps:
- Select the site
Choose a suitable location, considering proximity to electrical infrastructure and accessibility. Urban areas have higher real estate costs but greater demand. Other factors to consider are electrical load capacity, space (min 2m² per charging point), and user accessibility.
- Plan the infrastructure requirement
Make sure there are adequate grid connections, transformers, and civil works (foundations and shelters). Install proper signage, lighting, and safety systems for operational efficiency. The total cost for infrastructure setup should be between ₹2,00,000 and ₹15,00,000, depending upon LT/HT connection installation.
- Purchase a suitable charging mix
Select the appropriate chargers based on the intended use (home or public). The location of the station also plays a major role.
- Install operational setup
Integrate EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) management software, payment systems, and user authentication systems. Establish network connections for remote monitoring and management.
- Monitor installation
Only hire qualified electricians for safe and efficient installation. Comply with the Ministry of Power and the Central Electricity Authority performance standards and obtain the necessary permit from the Electricity Distribution Company licensed for your area.
EV charging station setup cost in India
The EV charging installation cost in India depends upon scale and charger type, with average cost ranging from approx ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. For example, a basic home setup can be relatively inexpensive, while a PCS with multiple fast chargers can be a significant investment.
Approximate cost for components:
- Equipment: approx ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh per unit (chargers, cables, connectors)
- Installation: approx ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh per unit (site preparation, electrical work)
- Network connection: approx ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per unit (monitoring and management)
- Hidden costs: Include land lease or purchase, insurance, grid demand charges vary by location
- Operation & maintenance: approx ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month (regular upkeep, staff, repairs)
Disclaimer: The actual costs can vary significantly depending on location, the charger’s brand, and other local factors.
Conclusion
When planning your electric car charger installation, remember to factor in long-term operational costs along with initial setup expenses, such as charger, location, and required infrastructure. However, as the Indian electric vehicle ecosystem evolves, electric car charger installation cost is expected to decrease with economies of scale and technological advancements.
As you invest in a sustainable charging solution for your EV, it is also crucial to consider protecting your vehicle with a comprehensive EV car insurance policy that extensively covers third-party damage. While basic insurance will protect your vehicle, third party car insurance will provide essential financial support in case of accident-causing damage or injury to a third party. It is not only mandatory in India but also complements your forward-thinking approach to transportation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.