Electric vehicle (EV) owners in Kerala will now need to watch the clock as closely as the battery gauge. The Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission has announced new Time of Day (ToD) billing rules for EV charging stations that directly affect when and how much you pay for a charge.
New ToD Zones for EV Charging
The earlier three-zone system has been replaced with a simplified two-zone model:
- Solar Period (9 AM – 4 PM):
⚡ 30% cheaper than the standard rate.
Example: ₹100 charge now costs ₹70. - Non-Solar Period (4 PM – 9 AM):
⚡ 30% more expensive than the standard rate.
Example: ₹100 charge now costs ₹130.
Why This Change Matters
The decision aligns with central government guidelines and aims to:
- Push EV owners to charge during sunlight hours
- Reduce load on the grid during peak hours
- Improve the use of solar power generation
While home chargers remain unaffected, public EV chargers on highways and in cities will now operate under these revised tariffs.
The Impact on Charging Stations
Charging stations using on-grid captive solar plants may see financial strain if they:
- Fail to consume max solar power between 9 AM and 4 PM
- Rely heavily on nighttime consumption, as only 53% of stored solar energy gets credited back during non-solar hours
Good News or Bad News for EV Users?
- Pros: Save money by charging during daytime, especially useful for long road trips or daily commuters.
- Cons: Night-time or emergency charging will now cost significantly more.
For Indian EV owners, this update means your charging habits may soon be just as important as your driving habits.
