The Kerala government has implemented a new rule on public charging of electric vehicles. Now charging will have to be paid 30% more on charging at night and 30% less charge for charging in the day. With this change, EV owners will have to decide their charging timing carefully.
If you drive electric scooters or cars and consider charging at night more convenient, then this habit can now be overshadowed on your pocket. The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has made major changes to the charging tariff, which will affect the timing and cost of charging. Let us understand this change in detail.
Big change for electric vehicle owners
The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) has made a major change in EV charging tariffs and divided it on the basis of time zone. This decision will directly affect the people driving electric vehicles, especially on those who charge their car at night.
New tariff based on EV charging timing
1. Solar period (9 am to 4 pm)
EV owners will have to pay 30% less tariffs on charging during this period. That is, if it used to cost 100 rupees to charge EV earlier, then it will now cost only 70 rupees. Its purpose is to promote the use of solar energy.
2. Non-Commercial Period (4 pm to 9 am)
During this time, 30% more tariffs will have to be given on charging. That is, the same process of charging will now be completed for 130 rupees. The government aims to reduce the load on the grid at night.
Where will this rule apply?
This rule will only apply to public EV charging stations. This will not have any effect on charging in homes. Currently, this rule has been implemented in the state of Kerala, but other states can also implement it soon after seeing its inception.
Charging companies will also be difficult
Charging stations that are based on solar energy may face a new challenge. If they are not able to use enough electricity in solar time, then they will have to buy expensive night power. This can increase their operational costs.
EV owners will have to do smart planning
Now people running EV will not only have to think how far the car has to run, but also think when to charge. Charging will save money during the day, but this is possible only when you have time and facility. People going to office or people returning from the trip at night will be more affected by this rule.
Advantages and disadvantages of new rule
Benefits…
- Those who charge EV during the day will get a big benefit.
- The use of solar energy will be promoted.
- The pressure on the power grid will be reduced at night.
Loss…
- Those who cannot charge during the day will have to bear more expenses.
- Charging companies may have difficulties in operation.
- Customer’s convenience will be affected.
What is the intention of the government?
The government wants to achieve three main objectives through this change:
1. Promoting Green Energy:
To encourage the use of solar power during the day.
2. Reduce load on power grid:
Electric consumption is high at night, to balance it.
3. Applying Smart Charging System:
To take EV charging in a streamlined and environmental direction.
Users will now have to take care of these things
- Try charging during the day.
- If it is necessary to charge at night, be ready for expenses.
- Where possible, choose solar charging options.
- Book the charging slot in advance so that cheap charging can get the benefit.
Exercise to protect the environment from damage
Governments are constantly making changes about EVs so that the environment is minimized and resources can be properly utilized. This new rule of Kerala government is also an important step in the same direction. Although it is about to change the habits of consumers, it can prove to be beneficial in the long term. So now EV charging is not just a matter of electricity, it has become a sensible timing game.
