‘EV charging infra needs boost’ PIC roundtable discusses possibilities and challenges in sector
Pune, 20 Febuary 2024: Amidst mounting concerns of climate change and sustainability, the growing enthusiasm among citizens about electric vehicles (EV) underscores the need to build and expand the entire EV charging ecosystem. The view was expressed at the roundtable discussion on ‘Charging into the Future: An Entrepreneurial Quest for crafting a win-win solution in expanding EV charging infrastructure’, held at MCCIA Bajaj Conference Hall, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune, on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
The event was organised by Pune International Centre (PIC) in association with Prayas, Gokhale Institute’s Centre for Sustainable Development, and IESA (Indian Energy Storage Alliance).
Prominent participants included Rajendra Pawar, Chief Engineer, MSEDCL; Manoj Kumar Daniel, Deputy General Manager (MMI and TP), Maha Metro Rail Corporation Ltd, Pune; and Pankaj Tagalpallewar, Additional Director General of MEDA and Superintending Engineer at MSEDCL, among others.
Giving a comprehensive insight on the dynamic of the emerging EV charging Industry, IESA (India Energy Storage Alliance) presented data and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in the industry. It said key challenges for EV adoption include the high premium price associated with it, range anxiety, access to EV charging stations, in addition to inadequate capital investment, land acquisition and ownership issues, and public parking. Insights were shared on the impact of EV charging on grid, classification of charging locations, EV charging patterns, and charging station guidelines, among other things.
Key points discussed at the roundtable include customer centric business models, rights to charge, data collection for upcoming charging stations, security and safety of vehicles in public places, and future trends. An important aspect discussed was about charging pointers in existing societies and how authorities should mandate it.
The discussion saw participation by stakeholders from MahaMetro, CPO Tech Middleware/System providers, solar and storage developers, site owners, SMG vendors, and energy analysts.
