Delhi to set up EV charging hubs at parking lots, markets, Metro stations

The MCD is planning integrated EV charging hubs with battery swapping at parking lots near markets and Delhi Metro stations. The move aims to expand Delhi's public charging network as electric vehicle adoption rises.

In Short

• Hubs to have over 25 charging points for cars and two-wheelers
• Battery swapping included for two-wheelers to reduce downtime
• 2 PSUs have submitted proposals for hubs with 30 charging points

Electric vehicle charging hubs with multiple charging points and battery-swapping facilities will soon be set up at Municipal Corporation of Delhi parking lots near major markets, commercial complexes and Metro stations across the capital, officials said on Monday. The civic body has started identifying sites and has invited proposals from public sector undertakings involved in EV charging infrastructure.

Unlike standalone charging stations, the proposed hubs are expected to have more than 25 charging points at one location and serve different types of vehicles, including electric cars and two-wheelers, officials said. Two PSUs have already shown interest, with one proposal for a hub with around 30 charging stations and another for a facility with 27 charging points. Both proposals are being examined by the MCD.

In a letter dated June 19, the MCD wrote to around 10 PSUs engaged in EV charging infrastructure, seeking proposals for developing integrated charging hubs at its parking sites as part of efforts to expand Delhi's charging network amid rising adoption of electric vehicles.

"The idea is to create dedicated EV charging hubs at locations where people naturally park their vehicles - near markets, commercial complexes and Metro stations. These are high-footfall areas and can support a larger charging ecosystem," a senior MCD official told PTI.

Officials said MCD-owned parking lots are being given priority for the project, though other government land parcels may also be considered depending on feasibility and approvals. Battery-swapping facilities are also likely to be included, particularly for electric two-wheelers, which form a significant share of Delhi's EV population.

"Battery swapping is preferred by many two-wheeler users because it reduces downtime. Instead of waiting for the vehicle to charge, riders can simply exchange a discharged battery for a fully charged one and continue their journey," the official said.

The official said the hubs are expected to include both fast and slow chargers. Fast chargers are likely to be preferred at busy public locations, while slow chargers could cater to users who leave their vehicles parked for longer periods. Given the investment required for large charging hubs, the MCD is also considering measures such as fencing and deploying security personnel to protect equipment from theft and vandalism.

"These are not isolated charging points. A charging hub involves a large investment and contains expensive equipment. Operators may therefore have to make security arrangements, including guards and fencing, to safeguard the infrastructure," the official said.

The MCD is assessing site suitability, electricity needs and operational arrangements before finalising locations. Official data shows that 470 EV charging and battery-swapping stations are currently operational across Delhi. The proposed hubs are expected to add to the city's public charging network as registrations of electric vehicles continue to rise.

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