New Delhi: India’s electric vehicle (EV) charging market has attracted over $450 million in investments, primarily in public charging networks and battery-swapping models, according to the report “Charging Ahead II” released by GameChanger Law Advisors and Speciale Invest. Despite the growth, the country faces a significant infrastructure gap, with only one public charger per 135 EVs, compared to the global average of 1 per 6–20 EVs.
To meet its 2030 EV adoption target, India will need to install at least 3.9 million charging stations, making charging infrastructure expansion a key challenge. The report highlights that scaling up public and private investments, enhancing policy incentives, and adopting global best practices will be crucial to addressing this gap.
Over the last five years, more than $450 million has been invested in the sector, with companies like Charge Zone, Tata Power, and Statiq leading the expansion of EV charging networks. The report projects that investment in EV charging infrastructure will maintain a double-digit growth trajectory, offering significant opportunities for domestic and international stakeholders.
The report examines lessons from global EV leaders such as California, the UK, and Singapore, where policy incentives, public-private partnerships (PPPs), and regulatory clarity have accelerated EV adoption. It suggests that India adopt similar models, focusing on streamlining permits, land acquisition processes, and interoperability standards to strengthen the charging network.
Standardization and interoperability are highlighted as key factors for EV adoption. The recent introduction of IS17017-2023, India’s first combined AC & DC charging standard based on Ather Energy’s LECCS connector, marks a step towards infrastructure efficiency. The report notes that implementing common charging protocols can reduce infrastructure costs, improve accessibility, and encourage broader participation from private charging operators.
Amrut Joshi, Founder of GameChanger Law Advisors, said, “India’s EV ambitions are on the right trajectory, but without a well-defined and scalable charging ecosystem, adoption could face significant roadblocks. Our report highlights the critical role that streamlined regulations and incentive-driven models can play in addressing the current infrastructure deficit. The key to success lies in a collaborative approach—where government support, private investment, and technological innovation converge to build a resilient, future-ready charging network that ensures accessibility, affordability, and long-term sustainability.”
Vishesh Rajaram, Managing Partner, Speciale Invest, said, “India’s EV transition isn’t just about vehicles—it’s about the infrastructure that enables mass adoption. Charging networks present one of the most exciting investment opportunities in energy and mobility today. To scale effectively, we need a strategic mix of public-private partnerships, innovative financing models, and policy support.”
The report recommends creating investment-friendly policies, including tax incentives and blended capital models, streamlining approvals through a single-window clearance system, enforcing fire-safety standards, and ensuring disabled-friendly charging infrastructure to attract institutional and foreign investments in India’s EV charging sector.
