HPCL to set up 5,000 EV charging stations in three years
Using its nationwide network of fuel stations and customer loyalty, HPCL plans to set up EV charging stations in its fuel retail outlets.
The Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) is planning to build 5,000 charging stations for electric vehicles (EV) in the next three years.
A decision by HPCL for these EV charging stations will help boost a wider EV adoption in the country while securing a significant share of the charging market for the company.
Over the last few years, HPCL has been testing charging stations and battery-swapping facilities and partnering with several companies in preparation for a larger rollout of EV charging stations. Currently, it has 85 EV charging stations along with petrol pumps.
Adding charging facilities to its existing fuel stations will leverage the company’s nationwide network, brand loyalty, and proven track record serving vehicle owners. The company operates 19,000 fuel retail outlets across the country. The fuel retail outlets are expected to host most of the 5,000 charging stations.
M K Surana, chairman and managing director of HPCL stated that the company must be prepared for the future. He further added that chemicals, biofuels, electric vehicles, and hydrogen are expected to drive future growth. Even though it may take time for EV penetration to occur, the company needs to be ready when the time comes.
However, Surana pointed out that a large number of charging stations does not mean the oil demand is going to decline. He further explained that the goal is to offer every energy source at the HPCL outlet a vehicle owner might need. Thus, a customer can also avail the charging of his electric car at the outlet, if he wants to.
In contrast to having a thin presence throughout the nation, HPCL’s strategy is to focus on cities or routes with higher EV potential. Initial deployments will occur where air pollution is a concern for citizens and where government officials are more supportive of EVs.
In addition, high-traffic routes like Delhi-Chandigarh and Mumbai-Pune that connect high-EV potential cities will also be prioritized.
According to Surana, HPCL currently uses the ‘Opex-sharing’ model with partners such as Tata Power and Convergence Energy Services (CESL), which means a low initial cost for installing charging stations.
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