India has over 29,000 public EV charging stations in 2026, up from roughly 5,000 in 2022. But the number that matters more for drivers is availability: Ministry data for March 2026 shows 27,737 stations installed and 22,753 operational. This guide explains how many chargers exist, which charger type you need, what charging really costs, and how to find a working station near you.
How many public EV charging stations are there in India?
In February 2026, the Minister of State for Heavy Industries told the Lok Sabha that over 29,000 public EV charging stations had been installed across the country (source: All India Radio). The government has allocated over ₹912 crore under FAME-II and ₹2,000 crore under PM E-DRIVE for public charging infrastructure.
Two points to keep in mind:
- Installed is not the same as operational. March 2026 figures list 27,737 installed and 22,753 operational stations.
- Only a fraction are fast chargers. Most stations are AC chargers. DC fast chargers, which matter for highway travel, are a smaller share.
Browse verified locations in the TRANDS EV Charging Stations directory.
Types of EV chargers in India: AC vs DC
| Charger type | Typical power | Connector | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Type-2 (slow) | 7.4 kW / 22 kW | Type-2 | Home, office, hotels, malls, overnight stops |
| DC fast | 30 kW / 60 kW | CCS2 | City fast-charge stops, highway corridors |
| DC high power | 120 kW and above | CCS2 | Fleets and cars that support high charging speeds |
Important: your car limits the speed, not just the charger. A 22 kW AC charger will not charge faster than your car's onboard charger allows, and a 120 kW DC charger cannot exceed your battery's maximum DC rate. Check your model's specs before choosing a station.
For a deeper comparison, read Fast DC vs AC Type-2 Chargers: Which Fits Your Site?
How long does charging take?
Actual time depends on battery size, starting charge and charger power. Two real examples from TRANDS car listings:
- Tata Curvv.ev: 10–80% in about 40 minutes on a 70 kW DC fast charger.
- Tata Nexon.ev: 10–80% in about 40 minutes on a 60 kW DC fast charger.
- Tata Punch.ev: 10–80% in about 56 minutes on a 50 kW DC fast charger.
Compare more models in the Electric Cars directory.
How much does it cost to charge an EV in India?
Charging cost varies by state, operator, time of day and charger type. Home charging follows your electricity tariff and is generally the cheapest option. Public DC fast charging is priced higher per kWh. As a rough guide, one industry analysis estimates a 50% top-up on a mid-size electric SUV at about ₹160–200 at home versus ₹450–600 at a public charger. Treat these as estimates and check the tariff shown in your charging app.
How to find a working EV charging station near you
- Search the TRANDS charging station directory for your city or highway route.
- Confirm the connector type (CCS2 or Type-2) matches your car.
- Check live status and pricing in the operator's app.
- Have a backup charger within your remaining range.
- Prefer sites with staff, lighting and amenities when travelling at night.
Tips for long EV road trips
- Plan stops around DC fast chargers, not just distance.
- Start each leg with enough charge to reach the next two chargers, not just one.
- Most drivers charge only to about 80% on the road because charging slows down near full.
- Install two or more charging apps and keep some balance ready.
Where is India's charging network heading?
Industry projections suggest India will need over a million public chargers by 2030 to support its EV adoption goals, far above today's base. Government schemes such as PM E-DRIVE, simpler installation guidelines and private operators are driving the build-out, with the biggest gaps in fast chargers and Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Thinking of starting an EV charging business?
Demand for charging is growing, but returns depend on location, utilisation, power availability and DISCOM approvals. Read our EV Charging Station Business Model guide, explore investment opportunities, or compare providers in the EV Charging & Networks directory.
Conclusion
India's charging network has grown roughly six-fold in a few years, but availability, fast-charger coverage and reliability still vary by city and route. Pick the right connector, plan your stops, and always verify a station's live status before you drive there.
Disclaimer: Figures are based on government statements and industry reports and may change. Costs are estimates. TRANDS is an independent directory and does not provide financial advice.