New Delhi (NVI): Government joint venture EESL has signed an MoU with South Delhi Municipal Corporation to establish infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EV), a move that has potential of significantly cutting down Delhi vehicular emission which is a major contributor to air pollution in the national capital region.
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture under Ministry of Power, Government of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to establish infrastructure for Electric Vehicles (EV) in SDMC area over a 10-year period.
EESl and SDMC have entered into this MoU with an objective to jointly work to fast-track the adoption of e-mobility in Delhi by installing around 75 public charging stations in South Delhi Municipal Corporation Area.
The MoU was signed between the Managing Director of EESL Saurabh Kumar and Municipal Commissioner of SDMC Gyanesh Bharti in the presence of Minister of Power R.K Singh and Government of NCT of Delhi, Lt.Governor Anil Baijal.
While speaking on the occasion Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K Singh said that the Government of India has embarked upon a very ambitious e-mobility plan, one in which the government plays a pivotal role in enabling e-mobility.
“Installation of public charging stations (PCS) would help in taking considerable strides in the creation of a sustainable EV ecosystem in the states across India,” RK Singh said.
“Its a great stride by SDMC and EESL to come together for harnessing synergies and opportunities in this broader effort.
The procurement of charging units, procurement of related infrastructure shall be borne by EESL along with the operation & maintenance of public charging infrastructure by qualified manpower, whereas, SDMC would be responsible for provision of space for setting up charging infrastructure in its area,” he said.
“In the first phase, EV charging station will be installed in 18 locations within 6 months from the effective date, selected through joint survey by both parties. The total number of finalized locations as per the location assessment will be 75 which may increase/decrease and include multi-level parking locations in Delhi as well,” he added.
Lt.Governor Anil Baijal said that it is pivotal to establish a thriving public charging infrastructure to increase EV adoption and enhance consumer convenience.
“I strongly believe that a supporting infrastructure will surely enhance consumer confidence in electric vehicles in Delhi,” he added.
Installation of public charging stations would help these legislative efforts in creating a sustainable EV ecosystem in the states. With installation of public charging stations, the range anxiety among residents is expected to reduce, which would help in increasing the adoption of EVs in the city.
This would help meet the state level targets of increasing EV adoption. With increasing penetration of EVs, the local emission of pollutants is also expected to reduce, leading to cleaner air providing several health benefits to the public.
For charging e-cars, till date, 300 AC & 170 DC captive chargers have been commissioned. Apart from this, 65 public charging stations have also been installed in NDMC area.
EESL has also signed agreements with various PSUs, Government departments, State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana.
With the bulk procurement, EESL receives electric vehicles and electric chargers at a significantly discounted rate vis-à-vis the actual market value.
Further, with access to low cost funds, the overall cost of project becomes competitive. With this, EESL has established a sustainable business model which is affordable for end consumers.
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