India is embracing electric vehicles (EVs) with enthusiasm, and models like the Mahindra BE 6 are sparking excitement on our roads. Yet, the backbone of this green shift lies in a robust charging network. As of May 2025, India has made impressive strides in deploying public charging stations, but challenges like rural access and grid reliability persist. With bold plans for 2025 and beyond, the nation is laying the groundwork for an electric future. Let’s explore the current state of EV charging stations, the expansion planned for this year, and the long-term vision for infrastructure, with a spotlight on how it supports vehicles like the Mahindra BE 6.

Where We Are: India’s Charging Network Today

As of December 2024, India has 25,202 public EV charging stations, a significant jump from 12,146 in early 2024 and a mere 1,800 in 2022. This growth, fueled by initiatives like FAME II and private players such as Tata Power and ChargeZone, marks a nearly ninefold increase in three years. Still, the EV-to-charger ratio of 135:1 falls short of the global benchmark of 6–20:1, signaling room for improvement.

State-Wise Snapshot

• Karnataka: Leads with 5,765 stations, driven by Bengaluru’s urban focus.
• Maharashtra: 3,728 stations, with Mumbai and Pune as key hubs.
• Uttar Pradesh: 1,989 stations, expanding into rural areas.
• Delhi: 1,941 stations, densely packed in commercial zones.
• Tamil Nadu: 1,413 stations, centered in Chennai.
• Kerala, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh: Each with 903–1,212 stations, prioritizing cities and highways.
• Smaller Regions: States like Assam or Tripura have fewer than 100 stations, reflecting uneven coverage.

City-Wise Insights

• Bengaluru: ~4,281 stations (early 2024 data), powered by BESCOM’s green initiatives.
• Mumbai: ~1,000–1,500 stations, backed by Tata Power and oil retailers.
• Delhi: ~1,941 stations, with chargers in malls and residential areas.
• Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad: 300–800 stations each, focusing on urban and highway networks.
• Kolkata, Surat: Likely under 200–500 stations, with slower expansion.

For EVs like the Mahindra BE 6, which boasts 175 kW fast charging (20–80% in 20 minutes), the ~13,818 DC fast chargers are vital. Cities like Bengaluru and Delhi meet its needs, but rural areas and smaller towns often lack fast chargers, making long trips challenging.

What’s Next: Charging Stations in 2025

India is poised to add 25,000–35,000 new public charging stations in 2025, driven by government schemes and private investments. This expansion aims to support the growing EV market, including high-range vehicles like the BE 6, which offers a 400–550 km real-world range.

Government Initiatives

• PM E-DRIVE Scheme: Launched in October 2024 with ₹2,000 crore, this program targets 74,300 chargers over several years, including 22,100 fast chargers for cars, 1,800 for e-buses, and 48,400 for two/three-wheelers. In 2025, ~20,000–25,000 new chargers are expected, with a focus on urban centers and highways.
• Highway Boost: Plans for 360 kW fast chargers along routes like the Golden Quadrilateral will cut charging times to ~15 minutes for EVs like the BE 6, enhancing long-distance travel.
• Oil Retailers: BPCL, IOC, and HPCL, leveraging ₹800 crore from FAME II, aim to add ~2,000–3,000 chargers at fuel stations and city hubs in 2025.

Private Sector Momentum

• Tata Motors: Targeting 400,000 chargers by 2027, with ~10,000 planned for 2025 across cities and highways.
• Hyundai: Aims for 600 fast chargers by 2031, with ~100 in 2025, emphasizing renewable energy.
• Startups: Companies like ChargeZone and Volttic are scaling urban networks, with over 50 startups raising $511 million (2020–2024) for innovative charging solutions.
• Mahindra’s Efforts: As it scales BE 6 production (200,000 EVs annually by 2029), Mahindra is investing in charging infrastructure to ensure seamless ownership.

Regional Priorities

• Urban Hubs: Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi will see the most new chargers, integrated into apartments, malls, and metro stations.
• Highways: Fast chargers every 25 km will support long-range EVs.
• Smaller Towns: Special purpose vehicles (SPVs) will drive charger deployment in Tier-2/3 cities, though rural areas lag.

The Road Ahead: Infrastructure Vision for the Future

By 2030, India aims for 30% EV penetration, requiring a massive charging network and supportive infrastructure. Here’s the long-term plan:

Expanding the Network

• Charger Targets: Major cities like Delhi and Bengaluru will need 18,000 stations by 2030, with a national goal of ~100,000–150,000 public chargers. This would bring the EV-to-charger ratio closer to 20:1.
• Battery Swapping: Expanding for two/three-wheelers, with startups like Sun Mobility scaling urban swapping stations. While less relevant for the BE 6, this eases grid pressure.
• Smart Systems: AI-driven smart grids and digital twin tech will optimize charging, aiming for 60% off-peak usage by 2030 to cut costs.

Green Energy Integration

• Renewables: India’s 500 GW renewable energy goal by 2030 will power chargers with solar and wind. Solar-powered stations, like Hyundai’s in Mumbai, will grow, aligning with the BE 6’s eco-friendly ethos.
• Sustainable Grids: Karnataka’s plan for 100% renewable chargers by 2030 will set a model for other states.

Battery Ecosystem

• Local Production: Subsidies and SGST exemptions will boost lithium-ion battery manufacturing, lowering EV costs. The BE 6’s imported batteries may shift to local options by 2030.
• Recycling: The 2022 Battery Waste Management Rules will fuel a recycling market, with startups scaling lithium-ion recycling by 2027.

Policy and Planning

• PM E-DRIVE Evolution: Revenue-sharing models will encourage chargers in workplaces and residential areas, benefiting urban BE 6 owners.
• State Goals: Maharashtra targets 25% EV registrations by 2030, while Delhi aims for 13,200 chargers. Rural SPVs will address underserved areas.
• Regulations: Mandates for chargers every 25 km on highways and in high-EV cities will ensure accessibility.

Industry Innovation

• Automakers: Maruti Suzuki, JSW MG Motor, and Ola Electric will expand charger networks by 2030, leveraging service stations and fuel outlets.
• Startups: New apps and subscription models will make charging user-friendly, enhancing the BE 6 ownership experience.

Challenges on the Horizon

The path isn’t without obstacles:

• Rural Gaps: With <10% of chargers in rural areas, long-distance travel remains tough for BE 6 owners.
• Costs: High land and installation costs for fast chargers require sustained public-private collaboration.
• Grid Stability: Rural grid issues and urban peak-hour strain need upgrades.
• Policy Risks: Delays in PM E-DRIVE funding or inconsistent state policies could slow progress.

The Mahindra BE 6 in Focus

The Mahindra BE 6, with its 682 km claimed range (400–550 km real-world) and fast-charging capability, thrives in cities but faces rural limitations. Social media buzz on X estimates ranges from 350 km (in traffic) to 600 km (ideal conditions), highlighting the need for reliable chargers. The 2025 rollout of 360 kW highway chargers will boost its long-distance appeal, while Mahindra’s charging investments support its growth. Still, owners in smaller towns must plan routes carefully until rural infrastructure improves.

India’s EV charging infrastructure is powering up, with 25,202 stations today and 25,000–35,000 more slated for 2025. The future looks bright, with plans for 100,000+ chargers, renewable-powered grids, and local battery production by 2030. For the Mahindra BE 6 and other EVs, urban hubs are ready, but rural access and grid reliability need work. As government and industry join forces, India’s roads are set to hum with electric energy. Stay updated via the BEE’s EV Yatra portal, and let’s embrace the electric journey ahead!