In a significant leap for sustainable transportation, India has inaugurated its first solar-powered EV charging station integrated with second-life battery storage at Galamma Circle near Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The initiative, titled Renewable Energy to Electric Vehicle (RE2EV), was launched under the Green Urban Mobility Innovation Living Lab, supported by GIZ India, BESCOM, and DULT under the SUM-ACA program.
Solar + Storage: 24/7 Charging, Circular Economy
The station features a 45 kWp rooftop solar photovoltaic system connected to a 100 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) made from repurposed lithium-ion EV batteries. This enables round-the-clock charging, even during night hours and peak demand, easing grid pressure while promoting circular economy principles and electronic waste reduction.
Karnataka Energy Minister Shri K.J. George inaugurated the facility, praising it as a scalable model for urban and peri-urban deployment.
Charging Infrastructure: Fast, Efficient, Accessible
The charging station includes:
- 9 DC fast chargers (5 of 50 kW and 4 of 30 kW)
- 18 fast-charging points and 5 slow-charging points
- Compatibility with private, commercial, and fleet EVs
- Real-time data and payments via BESCOM’s “EV Mitra” app and WhatsApp QR code
- Tariffs lower than private stations
Delta Electronics India, a major EV charging solutions provider, supplied the hardware. The company has deployed 8,000+ chargers in India and over 3 million globally.
EV Adoption in Karnataka: Strong Momentum
With over 5,880 EV charging stations statewide and 4,462 in Bengaluru Urban, Karnataka leads India’s EV infrastructure push. In 2025 alone, 140 new chargers were added, showcasing the state’s commitment to building a comprehensive, accessible EV ecosystem.
The new hub near the airport can charge up to 23 vehicles simultaneously, catering to high-demand transit traffic.
A Replicable Model for India’s Urban Future
The RE2EV project is more than just a pilot—it’s a blueprint for future urban EV charging infrastructure. By integrating solar power, second-life battery storage, and digital energy management, it aims to:
- Promote renewable energy use
- Reduce dependency on the grid
- Extend battery life cycles
- Enable smart, localized energy systems
As India accelerates toward its net-zero goals, such innovations strengthen the backbone of sustainable, tech-driven urban mobility.
