EV charging sector needs regulatory clarity: Report

Despite $450 million in investments over the past five years in startups focused on charging networks and battery swapping, India’s EV charging infrastructure lags behind global standards. There is just one public charger for every 135 EVs—far below the global average of 1 per 6–20 EVs. A GameChanger Law Advisors and Speciale Invest report highlights the urgent need for expansion to meet the country’s target of 3.9 million charging stations by 2030.

While India’s EV market has grown rapidly, inadequate charging infrastructure remains a major bottleneck. High capital costs, land acquisition hurdles, grid reliability issues, and low EV adoption in rural areas pose significant roadblocks. However, the rapid growth of the EV market, technological advancements, and falling battery costs continue to draw investor interest.

The report stresses the need for strong public and private investments, a robust legal framework, and government incentives to accelerate infrastructure development.

Countries like the UK, Singapore, and California have successfully driven EV adoption through policy incentives, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and clear regulations. India can learn from these models to enhance its EV ecosystem.

To unlock India’s EV potential, the government must explore tax incentives, blended capital models, and streamlined approvals through a single-window clearance system. The report noted that ensuring fire safety standards and disabled-friendly charging points will also be critical to attracting institutional and foreign investment.