With a network of solar-based electric vehicle charging stations, the Delhi-Chandigarh highway has become the first EV-friendly highway in the country.

The network of stations was set up by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) under the FAME-1 (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles) scheme of the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Union Minister of Heavy Industries (MHI) Mahendra Nath Pandey on Thursday remotely inaugurated a state-of-the-art charging station at Karna Lake Resort. Arun Goel, Secretary, MHI, Dr. Nalin Singhal, CMD, BHEL, and other senior officials of MHI and BHEL were also present on the occasion.

The EV charging station at Karna Resort is strategically located at the midpoint of the Delhi-Chandigarh highway. It is currently equipped to cater to all types of e-cars in the country. BHEL is also working on upgrading other charging stations on this highway within this year.

Installation of similar EV chargers at regular intervals of 25-30 km on the highway will address the anxiety of EV users and boost their confidence for inter-city travel. SEVC stations are equipped with individual grid-connected rooftop solar plants that will supply green and clean energy to the charging stations.