State-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is betting big on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and has chalked out a plan to offer charging stations at around 7,000 petrol pumps over next few years.
The company has distribution network involving 19,000+ retail outlets (fuel stations) across the country. The EV charging infrastructure will provide the company a new business opportunity as well as a hedge against the risk of displacement of auto fuels, BPCL said in a statement.
The EV ecosystem in India is expected to experience a robust growth in the coming years in India as auto manufacturers turn to electric vehicles to attract new consumers, it said.
BPCL, the second largest oil marketing company (OMC) in India, has a nationwide network of fuel stations and distributors that can help in offering the EV charging facility in a short span of time compared to companies that are yet to build the physical infrastructure of retail outlets, the company said.
“Over the next few years, we are aiming at reaching the count of 7,000 stations to support the growing EV industry and these stations would be known as ‘Energy Stations’,” said Arun Kumar Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Petroleum.
“EV charging infrastructure is one of the five focused segments that BPCL is working on along with Petchem, Gas, Consumer Retailing, Renewables and Biofuels that will serve the energy needs of the nation,” Singh said.