Energy Minister inaugurates India’s first solar-powered second-life battery EV hub in city

Bengaluru: Karnataka has emerged as a national leader in advancing electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, marking a significant step toward a sustainable energy future, Energy Minister K.J. George said recently.

Speaking during the inauguration of India’s first solar-integrated EV charging station, powered by Second-Life batteries and established by BESCOM near Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL), he highlighted Karnataka’s strong commitment to promoting green mobility and renewable energy solutions.

“To support the growing demand for EVs in the state, our government is fully committed to expanding charging stations and related infrastructure. Our state’s EV policy further strengthens this commitment. The newly inaugurated EV charging station near Bengaluru International Airport will greatly benefit cab drivers and people using electric vehicles,” George said.

“This large-scale EV charging hub, developed through a partnership between BESCOM, and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) can charge 23 vehicles simultaneously. At this station, solar energy is stored in old car batteries. Solar power generated during the day is stored using this battery system and supplied to electric vehicles around the clock,” the Energy Minister added.

“The state is at the forefront of electric vehicle infrastructure development in the country. Karnataka has a total of 5,880 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, of which 4,462 are located in the Bengaluru Urban district. This year alone, 140 chargers have been established,” he explained.

Key features

Explaining the features of the EV hub, Managing Director Dr. N. Shivashankar said, “This is the first charging station in the country to provide 24/7 EV charging facilities. The hub includes a 45 KW solar power system and 100 KWH second-life battery storage capacity. It features a total of 23 charging points, comprising 18 fast charging points and five slow charging points. BESCOM is offering EV charging at affordable rates. Compared to our station, private charging rates are 2 to 3 times higher.”

 How to charge?

Information such as the EV charging station’s location, rates, and available slots can be easily accessed through BESCOM’s “EV Mitra” application. Alternatively, users can scan the QR code available at the station and make payment via WhatsApp to begin charging, making the process simple and convenient for all, he explained.

Tariffs

* AC-001 – ₹7.02 per unit

* DC-001 – ₹7.16 per unit

* CCS-2 – ₹7.83 per unit