Imagine yourself cruising along a scenic highway in your EV but suddenly the battery indicator flashes a low battery alert. Panic sets in as you start looking for the nearest charger. In a country like India with a lacklustre infrastructure, this question can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But worry not. With the right tools and apps at your fingertips, locating an EV charger near you is easier than you’d think.
In this article, we will walk you through the best and most reliable ways to find EV charging stations across India, whether you’re in a city or on a road trip through remote highways.
Top Ways to Find EV Charging Stations in India
Let’s dive into the most effective methods and tools to find EV chargers near you.
1. EV Charging Apps
Statiq and Glida are probably the most popular EV charging apps in India. With thousands of public charging stations mapped across cities and highways, Statiq and Glida are one of the most trustworthy ways to find charging stations near you.
Features:
- Real-time availability of charging stations.
- Filters for charger type (AC/DC, CCS2, Type2, etc.).
- Seamless booking and payment through the app.
- Route planning features that optimize your journey based on charger locations.
Where It Works Best:
Urban cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad. Few chargers are also situated in even smaller towns along major highways.
Things To Keep In Mind:
Always check user reviews for a specific charger on the app. They often include helpful info like whether a charger is functional or under maintenance. If it is situated in a hotel or fuel pump, you can also get the number and call to get an idea.
2. Google Maps
Google Maps might not be India’s dedicated EV app, but it is quite effective in terms of locating a charger near you. Most public charging stations listed by providers like Tata Power, Statiq, Jio-BP, and others are available on Google Maps.
How to Use It:
- Simply type “EV charger near me” or “electric vehicle charging station.”
- Use filters like distance, ratings, and open status.
- Click on the station to see photos, reviews, and directions.
Things to keep in mind:
You can also see the type of charger available (fast/slow), opening hours, and user-uploaded photos which can help identify tricky-to-spot locations.
3. Tata.ev Website and App
Tata Motors has played a massive role in India’s EV push, with its Nexon EV, Tata in a way democratised EVs in India. Their platform https://tataev.tatamotors.com is more than just a promotional site—it includes tools to help EV owners find compatible Tata Power charging stations.
Features:
- Map view of all Tata Power EV charging stations.
- Filters based on fast or normal charging.
- Integration with Tata Power EZ Charge app for bookings and payments.
Things to keep in mind:
Tata Power has one of India’s largest EV charging networks, especially in tier-1 and tier-2 cities.
4. EV Plugs App
What Makes It Different:
EV Plugs is an aggregator app that collects data from multiple charging service providers like Statiq and Glida, giving you a broader view of all charging options, regardless of brand.
Features:
- Aggregates chargers from Tata Power, Statiq, Ather Grid, Magenta ChargeGrid, and more.
- Shows charger type, pricing, and status.
- Helps compare options in a single view.
Things to keep in mind:
This does not tell in real-time if a specific charger is working at a given time or not.
6. Government Platforms & Startup Initiatives
Apart from private companies and players in the EV space, the government is also doing its bit in order to help people locate EV chargers across the country. In the recent years, the Government of India has set up platforms like e-Amrit portal and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) that provide extensive information on the charging infrastructure in the country.
These initiatives, not specifically made to help EV drivers locate chargers, do have a national registry of public chargers as well. Here are a couple of government initiatives that offer much-required information for EV drivers and potential buyers:
Indian Government Initiatives:
- e-Amrit Portal (https://e-amrit.niti.gov.in/): While not a live tracking tool, it provides extensive information on charging infrastructure and EV policies in India.
- Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE): Has been working with DISCOMs to create a national registry of public chargers.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re a seasoned EV owner or a newbie looking to make the switch, finding an EV charger near you in India doesn’t have to be a headache. While most EV owners prefer to charge their cars at home, in order to make EVs more prominent, the infrastructure needs to be stronger and there need to be more public chargers across highways and longer routes.
Tech has been at the forefront of making making EV infrastructure more streamlined and accessible. With a smartphone and the right apps, you are always just a tap away from your next charge.
