The achievements of the human efforts have contributed significantly in towards the improvement of the human life leading to transformation from the era of the wheel of the early man to the availability of technology laden automobiles with numerous features. Revolutionizing the personal travel to the next level the modern-day vehicles are laden with multiple facilities. In so much so that these mediam serve as an efficient means of transport, they cost dependence on fuels in the form of non pollution causing renewable sources of energies. In view of monitoring the levels environment degradation, the Government has accelerated its efforts towards encouragement of nature conducive options in the country.

Environment friendly travel

To endorse environment friendly travel, the Government on March 7, 2018 launched the National E-Mobility Programme (hereinafter referred to as the "Programme") providing an impetus to the entire e-mobility ecosystem including vehicle manufacturers, charging infrastructure companies, fleet operators, service providers, etc. This is expected to increase the usage of electric vehicles in the country.

Electric Vehicle charging

The Government has been devising strategies to foster the adoption of electric vehicles (hereinafter referred to as "EVs"). With the said challenge, there comes an indispensable requirement of setting up of a unit to recharge the EV. Planning of EV charging infrastructure needs to take into account multiple issues such as number of charging stations needed and their locations, availability of sites for the charging stations, type of charging station needed at each location, rules and regulations relevant for the deployment, availability of electrical grid capacity, timing of the rollout, dealing with possible changes in the plan, etc.

Mandating EV infrastructure in building plans

With a view to promote transition and acceptance towards the pollution free technology in the form of EV, the Government is working to modify the existing legal framework to incorporate the EV charging stations in residential as well as commercial complexes including parking lots.1

The Building Bye-Laws Regulations (hereinafter referred to as "Regulations") lay down all mandatory Master Plan/Zonal Plan guidelines in respect of a town/ city/ area regarding use, land use, coverage, set- back, open space, height, number of stories, number of dwelling units, parking standards etc. for various categories of buildings including modification therein made from time to time. Reframing of the said Regulations shall enable easily available recharging of the EVs in use.

The Government is considering to introduce amendments to Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation Guidelines, 2015 and Model Building By-Laws, 2016 to accommodate promotion of electric vehicles infrastructure planning and power distribution services norms. It also aims to increase electricity load for all buildings.

Confronted with the challenges such as lack of infrastructure, ambiguity over compliance policies, have proved a major deterrent to the usage of EVs in the country. With the increasing number of people opting for economical and cleaner EVs, there is a requirement of the formulation of an appropriate administrative and legal mechanism, ensuring their proper control and management.

Footnote

1. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/auto/auto-news/ev-charging-stations-may-become-must-in-buildings-parking-lots/articleshow/66353793.cms

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