Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has significantly increased the tariff for charging electric vehicles (EVs) after 4 pm across its 63 charging stations. With the decision to apply service charges as per the Union Government’s guidelines, the revised rates are now higher than those at several private charging stations.

Currently, private stations do not follow a unified rate structure, unlike KSEB’s regulated model.

The State Electricity Regulatory Commission had earlier approved a differential pricing model, allowing a 30 percent discount during solar hours (9 am to 4 pm) and a 30 percent surcharge from 4 pm to 9 am.

The new tariff structure is expected to influence EV users' charging behaviour, encouraging them to charge their vehicles during daylight hours to benefit from lower rates and support solar power usage.

Until now, KSEB had maintained a uniform tariff throughout the day and night.

Central Guidelines Implemented

The Union Ministry of Power recently introduced a uniform structure for EV service charges and specified maximum limits for various categories. The permitted service charge ranges from Rs 3 to Rs 13 per unit, depending on the type and speed of charging.

However, KSEB has chosen to apply the maximum permissible rate, while many private charging providers continue to offer competitive rates with discounts.

Revised tariffs at KSEB charging stations

From 9 am to 4 pm (solar hours, including 18 percent GST):

  • AC slow charging – Rs 10.03 per unit
  • DC fast charging – Rs 19.47 per unit

From 4 pm to 9 am (non-solar hours, including 18 percent GST):

  • AC slow charging – Rs 16.79 per unit
  • DC fast charging – Rs 27.41 per unit

Previous flat rates

  • AC slow charging – Rs 10.62 per unit
  • DC/AC fast charging – Rs 15.34 per unit