CESL deploys 455 EV charging facilities, accelerating nationwide network expansion 

Ultra-fast EV chargers can strain local grids due to their high power demand, but smart grids mitigate this by managing peak loads and ensuring charger availability when needed.

Think of smart grids as the intelligent backbone behind EV infrastructure, continuously adapting charging speeds based on real-time energy supply and demand. It helps avoid power outages by managing peaks in electricity use and ensuring chargers are always ready when drivers need them most. Real-time analytics from IoT sensors, coupled with AI-powered predictions, optimise energy distribution and prevent downtime, ensuring seamless user experiences. N. Mohan shares more insights with EPR.

How is CESL scaling EV infrastructure while ensuring sustainability and grid efficiency nationwide?

We have established 455 EV charging facilities across the country so far and launched a solar carport at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated in November 2024. Building on this foundation, CESL is actively aligning with the PM E-Drive scheme to scale up the EV charging network. Our approach emphasises the deployment of chargers that are fully compliant with Ministry of Power standards, ensuring technical robustness and interoperability. We are actively promoting the integration of renewable energy sources, particularly solar PV systems, to bolster sustainability and reduce grid dependency.

To enable efficiency and reliability in energy distribution, we are leveraging strategies such as demand aggregation, digital platforms for real-time monitoring, and scalable infrastructure models.

How is smart electricity management ensuring efficient energy distribution across expanding EV charging networks?

To ensure efficient energy distribution across the rapidly expanding EV charging network, smart electricity management techniques are being implemented strategically. Foremost among these is Dynamic Load Management (DLM), which intelligently balances power allocation in real-time to prevent grid overloads and maximise the use of existing electrical capacity, thus avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades. This is often coupled with smart charging solutions that align vehicle charging with periods of low energy demand and high renewable energy generation, such as overnight or during peak solar hours, significantly reducing both grid stress and consumer costs. Centralised Energy Management Systems (EMS) orchestrate these processes, providing operators with sophisticated control over charging schedules and power distribution. Looking forward, the sector is advancing towards Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, which will transform EVs into distributed energy resources capable of feeding power back to the grid, creating a symbiotic relationship that enhances grid stability and resilience.

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The primary challenge with ultra-fast EV chargers is their significant power draw, which can overwhelm local distribution grids that are not designed for such concentrated loads. The key hurdle is managing the sharp, simultaneous demand spikes from multiple chargers, which can destabilise the grid, especially during peak hours. Overcoming this requires a multi-faceted approach.

The most critical strategy is the co-location of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at charging hubs; these batteries act as a buffer, charging slowly during off-peak times and then rapidly discharging to power the vehicles, thus shielding the grid from demand shocks. This must be combined with intelligent load management systems that can communicate with the grid and adjust charging speeds in real time.

As we move forward, grid resilience will depend as much on digital coordination and predictive controls as on physical infrastructure. At EESL, we are committed to enabling this ecosystem – through partnerships, pilots, and advocacy – so that India’s charging infrastructure grows in a way that’s both sustainable and secure.

How can digital twin technology revolutionise the planning and deployment of EV charging infrastructure in India?

Digital twin platforms are rapidly emerging as a cornerstone for next-gen infrastructure planning. ABI Research forecasts the global digital twin market for charging infrastructure to reach USD 2.7 B by 2025, growing at a 61 percent CAGR. At EESL, we recognise the significant merit of promoting the wider adoption of digital twins across the sector. Our focus is on enabling an ecosystem where innovation drives efficiency—where technology de-risks deployment and ensures that every charger installed is intelligently planned, future-ready, and aligned with broader energy goals.