03 June 2025, In a
significant advancement toward sustainable urban mobility, India has launched
its first solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station utilizing
second-life battery storage. Located at Galamma Circle near Kempegowda
International Airport in Bengaluru, the station marks a milestone under the
Renewable Energy to Electric Vehicle (RE2EV) pilot initiative, part of the
Green Urban Mobility Innovation Living Lab. This project is supported by GIZ
India, BESCOM, and the Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT), under the
SUM-ACA (Sustainable Urban Mobility – Air Quality, Climate Action,
Accessibility) framework.
Inaugurated by Karnataka
Energy Minister Shri K.J. George, the station combines a 45 kWp rooftop solar
photovoltaic system with a 100 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS),
repurposed from second-life EV batteries. This combination allows for uninterrupted,
24/7 EV charging even during night hours and peak energy demand improving grid
stability and enhancing energy efficiency.
The use of second-life
lithium-ion batteries aligns with national priorities in circular economy
adoption and electronic waste management. The initiative contributes to
reducing the carbon footprint of EV infrastructure, extending the utility of
battery resources beyond their automotive lifecycle.
Delta Electronics India, a
leading player in EV infrastructure, has supplied nine DC fast chargers for the
project five 50 kW units and four 30 kW units. These chargers support a wide
spectrum of EVs, including private, commercial, and fleet vehicles. With over
8,000 chargers deployed across India and 3 million globally, Delta reinforces
its commitment to advancing clean mobility solutions.
The Bengaluru Urban district
currently hosts over 4,460 of Karnataka’s 5,880 EV charging stations. With 140
new stations added in 2025, this latest installation significantly boosts
charging infrastructure in a high-traffic transit zone near the airport. The
facility is capable of simultaneously charging up to 23 vehicles, including 18
via fast-charging and five through slow-charging ports.
Users can access the station
using BESCOM’s “EV Mitra” app, which displays real-time information on charger
availability and tariffs. Charging sessions can also be initiated via QR codes
and are integrated with WhatsApp for seamless payments. Notably, the station
offers rates lower than many private alternatives.
Designed as a scalable model,
the RE2EV project integrates renewable energy, circular battery usage, and
digital charging management systems. It aims to be replicated across other
urban and peri-urban locations, reinforcing India’s EV ecosystem through sustainable
infrastructure and energy resilience.
Delta Electronics India, with
four manufacturing units and two R&D centers nationwide, continues to play
a pivotal role across power electronics, automation, and infrastructure
domains, actively contributing to India’s energy transition.