Kerala's 'Refresh and Recharge' Program for EV Charging Infrastructure

Kerala has started to grow the EV charging infrastructure by adopting Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. As India is transitioning towards EV adoption and producing zero emissions, there are certain challenges such as the rising demand for charging infrastructure, lack of user-friendly systems, and several payment issues persist. 

To solve these challenges, Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL), and the State Nodal Agency for EV infrastructure, has introduced a new ‘Refresh and Recharge’ initiative. 

This program focuses on updating public charging stations through the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model. Under this model, 63 KSEBL owned charging stations are open for private investments to improve the facilities and provide basic services.

The program also includes additional amenities such as cafeterias and washroom facilities to improve convenience at public charging stations. 

Refresh and Recharge Initiative

This initiative includes features which are incorporated to improve the EV charging infrastructure. It will also develop the accessibility and improve the standardized charging processes. These will feature an app-less payment system to provide a superior user experience. 

It will also provide real-time data, such as charging stations availability near your areas, waiting times, and charging gun status, all this will be combined with navigation platforms like Google Maps for maximum usage. 

For EV users, there will be multiple payment options available for accessing different chargers. The app system is designed in a way to simplify the charging process by allowing various payment methods without the need of dedicated applications, which makes the entire process seamless. Currently, KSEBL is in the process of formulating guidelines for the AI-driven system across the state.

The ‘Refresh and Recharge’ initiative also offers various investment opportunities by integrating EV charging with commercial facilities. KSEBL is also open to lease designated lands to investors at a competitive fee.

In turn, investors will be responsible for improving the infrastructure with four CCS2 charging guns, a cafeteria and restrooms, ensuring optimum consumption at each station. The investors have the right to manage the charging station for 10 years. 

Kerala is one of the early adopters of EV Policy, and has a significant EV adoption rate, exclusively among private vehicle owners. The ‘Refresh and Recharge’ program aims to enhance the state’s EV infrastructure.