Ahmedabad is struggling to expand its public electric vehicle (EV) charging network, while electric mobility gains pace across India.

Officials and industry stakeholders suggest that land availability, power supply clearances and limited private participation are slowing the rollout of new charging stations in the city.

This happens while Gujarat is actively engaging in clean mobility under its electric vehicle policy, and cities remain under pressure to build adequate charging infrastructure to support rising EV registrations.

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Land and Power Supply Constraints Slow Deployment

Authorities have identified several public locations for charging stations. However, locking suitable land parcels is one of the main challenges. Urban land is limited, and clearances often take time.

Power connectivity is another challenge. Setting up charging stations requires a reliable electricity supply and grid upgrades in certain areas. Industry players say procedural delays and coordination between agencies have affected timelines.

Despite policy support from the Gujarat government, the on-ground progress and implementation remain slow. Officials indicate ongoing work, but expansion targets may take longer than initial deadlines.

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Private Participation and Utilisation Concerns

Private operators have shown interest in installing charging stations, but commercial viability remains a concern. The utilisation levels at existing stations are moderate to low. This affects return on investment and is not a good sign for the investors.

Higher capital costs, limited demand for fast charging and evolving technology standards also influence investor decisions. Some operators are adopting a phased expansion strategy rather than a large-scale deployment.

India has been pushing electric mobility to lower fuel imports and urban emissions. Ahmedabad, as a city, is a key player in the state and country’s mobility transition. However, infrastructure build-out remains uneven across regions.

As EV adoption rises, coordinated planning among civic bodies, power utilities, and private operators will be crucial to bridge the infrastructure gap and sustain the ecosystem’s growth.