To accelerate electric vehicle adoption and strengthen charging infrastructure, KSEB invites EoI from Charge Point Operators (CPOs for establishing public EV charging stations across Kerala under the Central Government’s PM E-DRIVE (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme. This initiative is a major step toward building a future-ready, accessible charging ecosystem in the state.
Focus on Category C Locations
The Expression of Interest specifically targets Category C locations, which include city streets, shopping malls, market complexes, and highways offering unrestricted public access. These locations are crucial for expanding public charging availability beyond government-owned land and into high-traffic commercial and urban spaces.
As the State Nodal Agency (SNA) designated by the Kerala government, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) is responsible for aggregating demand, facilitating applications, and submitting proposals to the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). Notably, KSEB invites EoI only through an online process, ensuring transparency and faster approvals.
Subsidy Structure and Financial Support
Under Category C, eligible CPOs can avail an 80% subsidy on upstream infrastructure costs, including transformers, cables, switchgear, and civil works. However, the cost of EV charger hardware (EVSE) is not subsidised in this category. Subsidies are sanctioned by MHI on a first-come, first-served basis, encouraging early participation. This is why KSEB invites EoI with urgency to maximise benefits for applicants.
The national PM E-DRIVE scheme has a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore, with ₹2,000 crore allocated specifically for public charging infrastructure across four categories.
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify, CPOs must be established corporate entities with experience in operating EV charging networks. Applicants are required to submit proof of at least 10 operational public fast-charging stations, along with live screenshots of their Central Management System (CMS). CPOs will be fully responsible for installation, operations, maintenance, uptime, and customer support.
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the PM E-DRIVE Kerala Portal, developed by KSEB for Category C proposals.
Strategic Importance for Kerala
Kerala already has over 3 lakh electric vehicles and more than 1,300 charging stations. Under PM E-DRIVE, the state has identified 340+ new locations, with potential subsidies reaching ₹300 crore. Additionally, plans are underway to develop high-capacity charging infrastructure for e-trucks along major freight corridors.
With a revised public charging tariff of ₹7.15 per unit for 2025–26 and a 30% solar-hour discount, KSEB invites EoI as a timely opportunity for CPOs to participate in Kerala’s fast-growing EV ecosystem.
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