PCMC plans to install 22 e-vehicle charging stations on pilot basis
Pimpri-Chinchwad: Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is taking a big step towards promoting the use of electric vehicles by installing 22 e-vehicle charging stations on a pilot basis. The move aims to give people confidence that charging stations are available in the same way as petrol pumps. The charging stations will be installed in parking zones and places owned by PCMC. The provision for installation of e-vehicle charging station has been made in PCMC budget.
The process of booking slots and paying charges will be made online, and the details of available charging stations location will be available on Google maps. The PCMC plans to give the pilot project to one operator who will look after all the charging stations, with the project being run on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, which is a Public Private Partnership. Many companies, including Reliance, have already approached PCMC for the project.
“The basic aim behind starting the e-vehicle charging station is for floating public, for example if someone is coming for Pune then the person must be confident that e-vehicle charging station is available in PCMC. This is to encourage more and more people to opt for e-vehicles on road. On successful start of these 22 pilot projects of e-vehicle charging stations, we will make more such projects in every part of PCMc where it is required, such as schools, administrative building, playgrounds, etc. as each vehicle takes over 1 hour to charge. Whereas, this charging stations are planned for floating public over residents as residents have their own arrangements for charging,” said Babasaheb Galbale, Head of PCMC’s electric department.
He added, “The tender is yet to passed and meeting will be held for same on March 20. However, as these projects will be given on PPP basis, the operator will look after everything. PCMC will provide the location to it. Yet the locations has to be fixed.”
The charges for using the e-vehicle charging stations are yet to be fixed and will be determined by the company operating them.
