EV charging stations in India are governed by the Ministry of Power’s Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure – 2024, issued in September 2024. The key points: no licence is needed to set up a public charging station; DISCOMs must provide a connection within 7 days in metro cities, 15 days in other municipal areas and 30 days in rural areas; the electricity tariff for charging stations is a single-part tariff capped at the average cost of supply until 31 March 2028, cheaper during solar hours; and government land can be offered for charging stations on a revenue-sharing basis of ₹1 per kWh.
Last updated: September 2026. This is a plain-language summary; check the official guidelines and your state’s EV policy and DISCOM rules before investing.
Key Provisions of the 2024 EV Charging Guidelines
| Topic | What the guidelines say |
|---|---|
| Licence | Setting up a public charging station is a de-licensed activity; any individual or entity can set one up, subject to technical, safety and performance standards |
| Electricity connection | DISCOMs must provide a new or modified connection within 7 days (metro cities), 15 days (other municipal areas) or 30 days (rural areas) |
| Electricity tariff | Single-part tariff not exceeding the Average Cost of Supply (ACoS) until 31 March 2028; about 0.7 × ACoS during solar hours (9 am–4 pm) and 1.3 × ACoS at other times; separate metering required |
| Government land | Can be provided to public entities for charging stations at a revenue share of ₹1 per kWh, paid quarterly, initially for 10 years; also usable for private operators through bidding with a ₹1/kWh floor price |
| Interoperability | Charging networks should be connected and interoperable, with open protocols and standard connectors |
| Scope | Covers public stations, semi-public sites (offices, institutions, hospitals), highways, homes and battery swapping/charging stations |
What This Means If You Want to Set Up a Charging Station
- No licence, but standards apply: you do not need a licence, but chargers, wiring, safety and metering must meet the prescribed standards, and your installation must pass the DISCOM’s inspection.
- Apply for an EV connection: apply to your DISCOM for a new or upgraded connection with separate metering for the charging station. The guideline timelines give you a benchmark if approvals drag.
- Plan pricing around the time-of-day tariff: electricity is cheapest during solar hours, so sites with daytime demand (offices, malls, fleets) can benefit most.
- Consider public land: land owned by government agencies may be available through revenue-sharing arrangements, often through bidding.
- Choose interoperable hardware: OCPP-compliant chargers with CCS2 and Type 2 connectors keep your station usable by all EVs and networks. See OCPP vs OCPI.
For a practical checklist, see EV charging station setup requirements in India and the safety checklist.
Charging at Home and in Housing Societies
The guidelines also cover private charging. Owners can charge at home using their existing electricity connection or apply for a separate EV connection where the DISCOM offers one. In housing societies, a common charging facility can be set up for residents. See EV charging for homes and apartments.
Government Support for EV Charging Infrastructure
- PM E-DRIVE: the central scheme includes ₹2,000 crore for public charging infrastructure, with support for eligible projects through government and public-sector entities. See our PM E-DRIVE charging subsidy guide.
- State EV policies: many states offer their own benefits. Delhi’s EV Policy 2026, for example, targets about 30,000 public charging points and provides single-window clearance for private operators — see our Delhi EV policy guide.
- Financing: several banks and NBFCs offer loans or asset financing for charging equipment.
The earlier FAME-II scheme, which funded charging stations in previous years, has been replaced by PM E-DRIVE.
Starting With EarthtronEV
If you would rather not manage approvals, connections and operations yourself, EarthtronEV’s EV charging station franchise handles site assessment, the EV electricity connection, licences and approvals, installation and operation, while you invest in the station.
Related Reading
- EV Charging Station Setup Requirements in India
- PM E-DRIVE EV Charging Subsidy Guide 2026: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Process
- EV Charging Station Safety Checklist in India
- EV Charging Station Installation in India: Complete Site-to-Commissioning Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence to set up an EV charging station in India?
No. Setting up a public EV charging station is a de-licensed activity. You need an electricity connection from your DISCOM and must meet the technical, safety and performance standards in the guidelines.
How long does a DISCOM take to give an EV charging connection?
Under the 2024 guidelines, within 7 days in metro cities, 15 days in other municipal areas and 30 days in rural areas.
What is the electricity tariff for EV charging stations?
A single-part tariff capped at the Average Cost of Supply until 31 March 2028, with lower rates during solar hours (9 am to 4 pm) and higher rates at other times. Actual tariffs are set by each state’s electricity regulator.
Which are the latest government guidelines for EV charging stations?
The Ministry of Power’s Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure – 2024, issued in September 2024, together with state EV policies and DISCOM rules.