In a landmark achievement for India’s clean energy and e-mobility goals, Bengaluru has become home to the country’s first-ever solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station that incorporates second-life battery storage systems. The station, located at the BESCOM EV Hub Charging Station near the Kempegowda International Airport, represents a pioneering step towards sustainable transport infrastructure under the pilot initiative Renewable Energy to Electric Vehicle (RE2EV).

The innovative charging station was inaugurated on June 4, 2025, by Karnataka’s Energy Minister, Mr. K. J. George, who highlighted the role of second-life batteries in enabling grid-independent, sustainable operations. According to Minister George, this is a game-changer for urban energy management, especially in high-demand zones like airport vicinities, where uninterrupted EV charging can alleviate growing mobility demands.

The RE2EV Project: A Sustainable Charging Model

The RE2EV project is a collaborative initiative developed under the Green Urban Mobility Innovation Living Lab, and is supported by GIZ India, Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM), and Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT). It is part of the larger SUM-ACA initiative—Sustainable Urban Mobility – Air Quality, Climate Action, and Accessibility—which aims to integrate low-emission technologies in Indian urban ecosystems.

At the technical core of the project is a 45 kWp rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system that powers a 100 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This storage unit is comprised of second-life lithium-ion batteries—previously used in EVs but still capable of holding substantial charge capacity. According to Delta Electronics India, the system supplier, these repurposed batteries provide efficient energy discharge and storage, reducing dependence on the conventional grid and enabling 24x7 charging services.

Capacity and Technology

The new BESCOM EV Hub Charging Station can simultaneously charge up to 23 vehicles, making it one of the most advanced and scalable solar-powered EV stations in India. The charging infrastructure includes nine DC fast chargers, all provided by Delta Electronics, a leading player in sustainable power solutions.

The entire operation promotes a circular economy approach, where batteries that are no longer suitable for automotive propulsion are repurposed for static energy storage, extending their life cycle and reducing electronic waste.

Bengaluru: Leading India’s EV Infrastructure Revolution

Bengaluru is already at the forefront of India’s EV revolution. As of 2025, Karnataka hosts more than 5,880 public EV charging stations, of which 4,462 are located within the Bengaluru Urban district. The city’s growing EV charging density aligns with the state government’s green mobility vision.

This year alone, 140 new EV chargers have been added in Bengaluru, bolstered by state and central government programs focused on improving last-mile connectivity, air quality, and climate mitigation.

To aid EV users, BESCOM has launched the “EV Mitra” mobile application, offering real-time information about charger availability, station location, pricing, and other logistics. This digital interface aims to improve user convenience, helping reduce range anxiety and promote EV adoption among the masses.

National Policy Shift: Reduced Import Tax for EVs

Coinciding with the RE2EV launch, the Indian government has introduced a strategic policy update aimed at boosting domestic EV production. Under the new guidelines, automakers can import up to 8,000 electric cars annually at a reduced import tax of just 15%, significantly lower than the current rates of up to 100%.

However, to benefit from this lower duty, manufacturers must commit to investing at least Rs. 4,150 crore in setting up local manufacturing facilities in India. The new policy seeks to balance foreign participation in EV growth with local value addition, driving the creation of green jobs, technological innovation, and economic resilience.

This move is expected to attract global EV giants looking to penetrate India’s rapidly growing electric mobility market, while also ensuring long-term localization and cost competitiveness.

Implications for Sustainable Urban Development

The RE2EV pilot model not only addresses urban power demand and transportation bottlenecks but also contributes to broader sustainable development goals (SDGs):

• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)

• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

• Climate Action (SDG 13)

• Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)

The combination of solar energy and second-life batteries offers a scalable and replicable model for other Indian cities. The initiative is particularly relevant for tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where grid limitations and high upfront capital costs can hinder traditional EV charging rollouts.

By decoupling the charging infrastructure from the central grid and incorporating renewable energy plus storage, RE2EV presents a future-ready model for cities with unstable power supply or high transmission costs.

Conclusion

The launch of India’s first solar-powered EV charging station with second-life battery storage is a defining moment for the country’s clean energy and transport transition. Located strategically near the Bengaluru airport, this new hub demonstrates how innovative energy solutions, repurposed technology, and public-private collaboration can converge to shape India’s urban future.

As India pushes ahead with ambitious goals for EV penetration, climate action, and renewable energy adoption, such projects will serve as blueprints for sustainable innovation, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with environmental imperatives and consumer demand.

With Bengaluru leading the way, and national policies encouraging both domestic and international participation, India is well on its path to becoming a global leader in green mobility.

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