The steps by KMRL are an effort to expand the charging infrastructure of the city which can potentially encourage the swifter adoption of electric vehicles
The EV ecosystem in Kerala is getting a further boost as electric vehicle charging points are being set up by the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) in all Metro stations.
KMRL, in association with Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (Anert), will set up charging points in four Metro stations initially.
Once found viable, the project will be extended to all the 22 Metro stations.
“We have held preliminary talks with Anert officials in this regard. We will conduct a survey for handpicking the four stations where the charging points are to be installed in the first phase,” a top official with KMRL said.
“It will be based on the flow of vehicles and the number of prospective owners who may buy or switch to e-vehicles at each centre that the stations will be selected,” he said.
Though the number of electric vehicles is very few in Kochi, the chances are high for a steep increase soon. The steps by KMRL are an effort to expand the charging infrastructure of the city which can potentially encourage the swifter adoption of electric vehicles.
“There is an increase in the number of electric vehicles being registered in Kochi. Still, the pace in increase in the number of such vehicles is very slow. The unavailability of charging points is one of the factors which force many from not opting to buy electric vehicles. As of now, there are only a few charging points in the city and suburbs. KSEB has installed two charging points in the city, while KEL has set up one in Mamala near Tripunithura,” said P M Shabeer, regional transport officer (RTO), Ernakulam.
“People complain that the performance of electric vehicles is not up to the mark. This may be another reason for the low demand for electric vehicles. It is learnt some of the manufacturers have come up with improvised versions of electric vehicles. Then, the demand for electric vehicles will go up,” Shabeer said.