Last month, I found myself in a bit of a pickle. I was running errands on my electric scooter when the battery indicator started flashing more urgently than I'd have liked. I'd planned to charge at home later that evening, but clearly my scooter had other ideas. Luckily, the mall I was heading to had recently installed charging points in their parking area. That 45-minute shopping trip gave me enough juice to comfortably ride back home.
This experience got me thinking about how urban charging infrastructure is slowly but surely transforming our cities. As someone who's been riding EVs for the past two years, I've seen firsthand how crucial accessible charging points or workplace EV charging in India are for making electric mobility practical.
The Workplace Revolution
Workplaces present perhaps the most logical opportunity for expanding charging infrastructure. Most of us park our vehicles for 8-9 hours at work – that's prime charging time being wasted if there's no facility available.
Some forward-thinking companies in Bengaluru and Pune have already installed stations for workplace EV charging in India in the parking lots. My friend's office has six dedicated EV charging points, and they've seen a noticeable increase in employees considering electric vehicles. It makes perfect sense – charge while you work, and drive home with a full battery.
Companies benefit too. Beyond the obvious sustainability credentials, providing charging infrastructure or VIDA charging partners attracts talent who value environmental consciousness. It's also less expensive than many assume. Many power distribution companies now offer special commercial rates for workplace EV charging in India, and the installation costs can qualify for various green infrastructure tax benefits.
Shopping Centers: Charge While You Shop
Malls and shopping centers are ideal locations for fast chargers. When I'm spending an hour or two shopping or catching a movie, my VIDA scooter can gain significant range. For those with larger EVs like cars, even a 30-minute fast charge session can add substantial range.
The business case for mall owners is compelling. EV charging attracts a growing demographic of eco-conscious consumers who tend to spend more time (and money) at locations where they can simultaneously charge their vehicles. Mall scooter chargers also a valuable differentiator in the competitive retail landscape.
Some malls in Delhi and Mumbai have gone a step further by integrating charging stations with their loyalty programs – shoppers earn points while charging, creating a win-win situation.
Schools: Building Tomorrow's Infrastructure
Schools and educational institutions present an interesting opportunity, serving both staff and parents. Several international schools in India have started installing chargers, primarily used by teachers and administrative staff who park there all day.
For parents, even a 15-20 minute charge during EV school commute can be valuable. My nephew's school recently installed two charging points near the entrance, and I've noticed more parents arriving in electric vehicles.
Schools also have the added benefit of educating the next generation about sustainable transportation. Children who see EVs and charging stations as normal will grow up with different expectations about mobility.
The Way Forward
Building robust urban charging infrastructure like workplace EV charging in India requires collaboration between property owners, electricity providers, and local governments. For property managers considering installation, my advice is simple: start small, perhaps with 2-3 charging points, and scale based on usage.
The good news is that charging technology is becoming more affordable and versatile. Whether it's the removable battery in my VIDA that I can charge indoors, or the fast-charging VIDA charging partners & stations popping up across urban centers, options are expanding rapidly.
As EV adoption continues to grow, the businesses and institutions that invest early in
charging infrastructure will not only contribute to cleaner cities but also position themselves advantageously in our increasingly electric future.
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