Electric Vehicle and Charging Stations in Distribution System: Practical Experience

Electric cars are predicted to be the next disruptive market force for transportation and technology. One of the primary reasons for the introduction of electric cars into the market is the concern over greenhouse gas emissions and their contribution to global warming. The greatest impact of reduced carbon emissions is in densely populated urban areas like Mumbai. The Indian government has set ambitious targets to accelerate the adoption of EVs. By 2023, it wants all three-wheelers to run on batteries. By 2025, the rule will be applicable to most two-wheelers. Incentives are being offered to make OEMs develop new EV models and manufacturing components such as lithium-ion batteries and electric motors. Moreover, it has been looked upon as a prospective option for Demand Side Management. AEML, as a responsible Corporate, has proactively taken steps by procuring Electric Vehicles, viz. 4-wheelers and 2-wheelers, necessitating in-house movement for their O&M activities spanning 400 km² catering to the electricity needs of almost 3 million customers today. Moreover, it has installed Charging Stations at strategic locations spread out in their divisional offices across their licenced area. Fuel saving resulting from these EV's is estimated to be around a couple of lakhs per month, leaving alone the significant carbon foot-prints reduction. This paper explains facts and experiences of electric vehicles and charging stations in Adani Mumbai Distribution Business. Challenges, however, remain.