Government Announces 360 kW Charging Stations for Highways to Boost EV Adoption

Nitin Sindhu VY | Mumbai

In a major push for electric mobility, the Indian government has unveiled plans to install ultra-fast 360 kW charging stations along highways, expressways, and bus depots. The move aims to cut charging times for heavy-duty electric vehicles (EVs) and premium cars to just  15 minutes, addressing a key barrier to EV adoption—long waiting periods at charging points. 

Faster Charging, Longer Drives

Currently, a 60 kW DC charger takes about an hour to fully charge an EV, while the new  360 kW chargers will significantly reduce this duration. "We cannot expect people to wait for hours at charging stations. A 15-minute charge time is acceptable and will encourage more users to switch to EVs," said a senior government official.  

The initiative is part of the PM E-Drive (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme, which aims to establish a nationwide network of 100,000 charging stations by 2030. Initially, the target was set at 400,000 stations, but the focus has now shifted to high-capacity chargers for long-distance and commercial EVs.  

Current Status & Future Plans
- Existing Infrastructure: As of March 2025, India has 37,752 chargers across 29,277 stations.  
- Urban vs. Highway Chargers:
  - 60 kW chargers dominate in cities (70% of installations).  
  - 240 kW chargers are being deployed on highways (30%), with plans to upgrade to 360 kW after approvals.  
- Vehicle-Specific Charging Standards:
  - 12 kW for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers.  
  - 60 kW for electric cars.  
  - 240 kW (soon 360 kW) for electric buses and trucks.  

Investment & Targets
The government has allocated ₹ 2,000 crore under the PM E-Drive scheme, with the following installation targets:  
- 48,400 stations for electric two- and three-wheelers.  
- 22,100 stations for electric cars.  
- 1,800 high-capacity stations for buses and trucks.  

Why This Matters 
The push for ultra-fast charging is expected to accelerate India’s transition to electric mobility, particularly in the commercial transport sector. With heavy-duty EVs like trucks and buses requiring longer ranges, 360 kW chargers will ensure minimal downtime, making electric logistics more viable.  

Industry experts have welcomed the move, calling it a "game-changer" for India’s EV ecosystem. However, challenges such as power grid upgrades and private sector participation remain critical for seamless implementation.  

As India races toward its 2030 EV goals, the rollout of high-speed charging infrastructure could be the key to convincing more consumers and businesses to go electric.