The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has invited bids for setting up battery charging and swapping station for 50 e-rickshaws in Faridabad, Haryana, on pilot project basis.

The scope of the work for successful bidder will include the supply, installation, and commissioning of battery charging and swapping station at the identified locations in Faridabad. The successful bidder will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance for a period of three years. The battery charging and swapping station consists of lithium-ion batteries, bulk chargers for the batteries and all other associated equipment and services required for a successful operation and maintenance.

The last date for bid submission is November 9, 2018.

Central as well as various state governments in India have been proactive in building up infrastructure around Electric Vehicles (EV). Recently, the Ministry of Power had issued a clarification stating that no license will be required to operate EV charging stations in India. The move was made to boost participation of more private players in the creation of EV charging station infrastructure across the country.

The central government has also been hands-on with various subsidies to promote EVs that can be used for mass transportation. Recently, the government decided to yet again extend the duration of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles (FAME) program, which is aimed at facilitating the widespread adoption of EVs.

Just a few days ago, Gujarat Energy Development Agency (GEDA) had invited Expression of Interest (EoI) for the authorization of manufacturers for marketing and distribution of E-rickshaws under the state’s Battery Operated three-wheeler (BOV) program.

It should be noted that the central government is currently targeting sales of 6-7 million new hybrid and electric vehicles by 2020 under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP).

Garima is a staff reporter with MercomIndia.com covering renewable energy news. Prior to Mercom, Garima worked as a journalist with The Times of India and The New Indian Express. She received her Master’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Nottingham and PG Diploma degree in journalism from the Times School of Journalism.