Payyannur: As many as 147 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are set to be installed along national highways in Kerala to strengthen the state’s EV charging infrastructure. The project is part of a Central government initiative, with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) tasked with overseeing its implementation in the state.

The approval has been sought for a total of 270 EV charging stations across Kerala, of which 147 will be located along national highways. Details of government land available along service roads have already been submitted as part of the project proposal.

The charging stations will be established under the PM E-Drive (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme. The project will be implemented by KSEB’s Renewable Energy and Energy Savings wing (REES).

Also Read| NGT pulls up Kerala over extending life of govt vehicles, KSRTC buses

The EV charging stations will be set up on land owned by various government agencies, including the Revenue Department, BSNL, KSRTC and KSEB, particularly at locations near national highways.

As per the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Power, at least one fast EV charging station must be available every 25 kilometres along national highways. For buses and trucks, a charging station is required at least once every 100 kilometres. However, the land availability remains a major challenge in Kerala.