KSEB calls for EoI from private firms for EV charging stations under PM E-DRIVE

Kottayam: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) from private entrepreneurs to establish public electric vehicle charging stations across the state. Interested agencies have been asked to submit proposed locations for charging stations under the Centre’s PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement Scheme (PM E-DRIVE Scheme).

Under the scheme, charge point operators are eligible for a subsidy of up to 80 percent of the total project cost. The financial support covers infrastructure components such as transformers, cables, switchgear, and civil works, excluding GST and refundable deposits. Under this scheme, no subsidy is provided for EVSE (charger hardware). Infrastructure development accounts for most of the overall expenditure.

The initiative aims to expand the availability of EV charging facilities across the country, with KSEB acting as the nodal agency in Kerala. A dedicated online portal, pmedrivekerala.kseb.in, has been launched for submitting applications. Applicant agencies must have prior experience in setting up at least 10 charging stations.

Applicants are also required to have a minimum of one year’s experience in operating charging stations. Each agency can propose up to 50 locations. The selected sites must have at least two cents of land available.

Locations that allow convenient charging during travel, including commercial zones, highways, expressways, market complexes, residential clusters, or transit hubs have been suggested for consideration.

The central government has allocated ₹2,000 crore for the establishment of public charging stations under the scheme. Applications will be accepted until January 5.

KSEB will evaluate the submissions and select eligible agencies. The board aims to set up 700 charging stations in the state. At the national level, the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries has set a target of 72,000 charging stations. For further information, applicants can contact 0471 2514222.

While KSEB is facilitating the process at the state level, it does not have the authority to approve proposals or sanction subsidies. The evaluation of applications, selection of eligible projects, final approvals and release of subsidies will be carried out solely by the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries.