Jio-bp, a joint venture between Reliance Industries and BP, is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) charging network in India. The company, which currently operates around 5,600 charging points, is looking to accelerate deployment to keep pace with the rising demand for EV infrastructure.
Government Support Fuels Growth
The Indian government has been actively promoting electric mobility through various incentives and policies. The latest Union Budget allocated ₹2,000 crore under the PM E-Drive scheme, reinforcing the government’s commitment to boosting EV adoption. Additionally, initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme continue to provide subsidies and incentives for charging infrastructure.
As of September 2024, Jio-bp had 500 charging stations across India, supporting 5,000 charging points. Government data indicates that India had over 25,200 public charging stations by the end of 2024, with state-run oil companies contributing more than 20,000 stations through their own investments.
EV Market Momentum in India
The EV adoption rate in India is steadily increasing, especially in the two-wheeler segment. Data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Vahan portal shows that electric two-wheeler penetration surpassed 6% in 2024, up from 4% in 2022.
Industry experts believe that once EV adoption reaches 5% in any category, growth accelerates rapidly. While electric four-wheelers have yet to cross this threshold, analysts predict a similar growth trajectory in the coming years, further driving demand for charging infrastructure.
Also read: PMI Electro Mobility Raises ₹250 Cr to Boost EV Growth
Rising Competition in the Charging Sector
One of the biggest challenges for EV adoption in India remains the availability of charging stations. Jio-bp is actively addressing this concern by strategically placing chargers in high-traffic areas, including:
- Malls
- Corporate parks
- Hotels & airports
- Residential societies
To enhance user experience, Jio-bp has rolled out 480 kW chargers, with 95% of its stations offering fast charge solutions. However, as India’s EV market matures, competition in the EV charging space is intensifying, with multiple players vying for a share in this growing industry.
As India moves towards a greener future, companies like Jio-bp are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the EV ecosystem, ensuring accessibility and convenience for consumers.
