"Uttar Pradesh Expressways to Install Electric Vehicle Charging Stations"

Electric vehicle (EV) owners in Uttar Pradesh can look forward to uninterrupted travel on the state's expressways as the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) announces plans to establish 72 EV charging stations along the five expressways. Work on this significant project is set to commence in January of the upcoming year.

While some EV charging points are currently available on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway and Yamuna Expressway, they lack fast-charging capabilities. In response to the growing demand for EV infrastructure, UPEIDA has identified 36 additional locations where these charging stations will be deployed on both sides of the expressways, with a particular focus on the Purvanchal Expressway. To further enhance convenience for EV owners, UPEIDA will also develop wayside amenity areas to facilitate the charging of various electric vehicles.

These charging stations will offer fast-charging options to cater to vehicle owners seeking efficient travel along the high-speed corridors. The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) has established a base tariff ranging from Rs 7.30 to Rs 7.70 per kilowatt-hour for EV charging.

Given that these charging stations will be developed through public-private partnerships, the final charging rates will be determined by the service providers upon the completion of the facilities. UPEIDA is set to lease the land for these charging stations at nominal rates for a ten-year period.

Furthermore, UPEIDA has committed to supporting behind-the-meter power infrastructure, offering power generated from sources like solar panels and other renewable energy options on its site to the service provider. This initiative represents a significant step towards promoting green and sustainable energy practices in the state.

ET