BPCL and TPEM join forces to expand India’s EV charging network
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Fully Integrated Maharatna Energy Company listed in the Fortune 500, has entered into a strategic partnership with Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. (TPEM), a pioneer in India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish public EV charging stations across India, marking a significant step towards enhancing the country’s EV infrastructure.
Leveraging BPCL’s extensive network of over 21,000 fuel stations, this collaboration aims to set up chargers at strategic locations frequented by Tata EV owners. The initiative utilizes insights from over 1.15 lakh Tata EVs already on Indian roads, ensuring the chargers are placed for maximum utility. BPCL will also gather data on charger usage to continually improve customer experience.
The partnership is a crucial move to improve the EV ownership experience in India. One of the innovative solutions being explored is the introduction of a co-branded RFID card for convenient payment, tailored to ease the transition for Tata EV users and encourage more people to adopt electric vehicles.
Collaboration for a Greener Future: BPCL and TPEM to Set Up EV Charging Stations
BPCL, in its commitment to sustainable energy solutions, aims to install 7,000 EV charging stations by next year. The company has already initiated over 90 Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Highway Corridors nationwide, ensuring a fast-charging station approximately every 100 kilometers along major highways. This network spans more than 30,000 kilometers across various highways, significantly alleviating range anxiety for EV owners.
Santosh Kumar, Executive Director In charge of Retail at BPCL, emphasized the company’s alignment with India’s vision to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. BPCL is steadily moving towards its goal of converting 7,000 of its conventional retail outlets into energy stations, as part of a comprehensive decarbonization strategy. This strategy includes setting up a vast network of fast charging stations across highways, making EVs a more viable and convenient option for Indian consumers.
TPEM, leading India’s electric mobility revolution with over 71% market share in electric passenger vehicles, brings significant insights to this partnership. Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. and TPEM, highlighted the importance of reliable charging infrastructure to accelerate EV adoption in India. This collaboration, he said, is not just about expanding charging infrastructure but also about fostering positive change and enabling infrastructure for the growing EV customer base.
The collaboration between BPCL and TPEM is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of charging infrastructure in India, thus mainstreaming EV adoption. This partnership reflects the global understanding that widespread and convenient charging infrastructure is essential for driving EV adoption, and that the growth of such infrastructure can lead to exponential growth in EV adoption.