EV Charging at Tourist Destinations: Powering Sustainable Travel in India

Welcome to the fourth episode of our blog series on ‘different shapes and forms of electric vehicle (EV) charging’. Today, we talk about why EV charging is required specifically at tourist destinations, and why it is an eventual non-negotiable.

On a sunny morning, a group of friends set out from Delhi to Dehradun. They carry reusable bottles and cloth bags, no disposable plastics. But as the car nears the valley, a grey haze clouds the once-fresh air. Dehradun, once an idyllic retreat, now ranks among India’s most polluted cities, with PM10 and PM2.5 levels often breaching safe limits and AQI spiking during tourist weekends. The reasons are clear: rapid urban growth has stripped thousands of trees, vehicular numbers continue to surge, and open waste burning releases toxic fumes. And Dehradun is not the only place going through this.

For the friends, the trip becomes more than a getaway. It leaves them asking: beyond individual eco-friendly habits, what systemic action will it take, to make tourism sustainable in India?

Tourism's Growth and Its Cost

Tourism in India is booming. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the sector contributed just over ₹20.9 trillion to GDP in 2024, about 6.67% of India’s economy Projected growth is strong, with the tourism economy expected to reach 523 USD in 2030. A central pillar for achieving this goal lies in rethinking mobility.

Transportation, particularly road traffic is a major contributor to tourism-related emissions. EVs offer 19–34% lower lifecycle emissions compared to petrol or diesel, even on coal-heavy grids; the number nears zero when powered by renewables.

EVs are not preferred for longer trips due to a lack of charging infrastructure

A key deterrent to EV use on long trips is the lack of dependable charging infrastructure outside urban centers. Most public chargers cluster in metros, with highways, smaller towns, and pilgrimage routes largely underserved. Weak grid reliability in remote areas raises risks of being stranded, compounded by fragmented access via multiple apps or cards, frustrating travelers unfamiliar with local networks.

EV charging stations at tourist hubs enable adoption

Tourist destinations are a natural fit for EV charging since vehicles often remain parked for long hours while travelers explore. This idle time creates the perfect opportunity to charge without disrupting plans. Placing EV chargers at these hubs brings multiple benefits.

While the benefits sound great, implementation can poses challenges. This is where government policies can aid sustainable tourism via moiblity.

Government Policies at Tourist Centric Sites

• FAME-II: Provides subsidies covering up to 70% of capital costs for chargers at key sites such as airports, railway stations, malls, and highways, and 100% for government premises—helping make public charging more viable.

• Goa EV Policy (2022): Mandates that all tourist rental vehicles shift to EVs from 2024, creating natural demand for charging stations in a state driven by tourism.

• Fiscal & Procedural Incentives
  EV charging station installation is classified as a de-licensed activity, meaning installers don’t require multiple bureaucratic approvals. This simplifies deployment, particularly in hotels and tourist spots. Additionally, public lands may be made available at nominal rates or via competitive bidding, enabling easier infrastructure expansion

And while, even after these initiatives, having an EV to visit tourist destinations currently seems daunting, it presents a promising opportunity.  

Proven Global Success & Indian Momentum

Overseas, destination charging has yielded results. EV adoption in Norway's fjord regions rose from 82% to 88.9% in just a year; solar-powered winery carports in France saw EV registration climb over 6% within 12 months; U.S. national parks experienced an 11% increase in EV sales after installing chargers. These examples prove that scalable, sustainable tourism works and highlight the future of EV charging stations in India.

Closer to home, real action is underway. Madhya Pradesh Tourism plans to install EV chargers at 55 of its 67 hotels across Pilgrimage and scenic spots . Similarly, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) is rolling out chargers across 49 resorts, including Gangapur Dam areas and Pune.

EV charging in tourist destinations can be done smartly

Smart deployment of EV charging stations in tourist destinations extends beyond simply installing chargers; it requires a balance of operational and technological considerations.

EV Charging stations should be placed strategically

To make EV adoption in tourism practical, EV charging stations must be strategically located to deliver maximum convenience and impact. Vehicles here charge during natural pauses in travel, turning idle time into useful charging time. Alongside this, innovative deployment models are helping to overcome challenges such as weak grids or high capital costs. Together, these approaches build a resilient EV charging ecosystem.

Deployment opportunities exist in multiple locations

In Hotels & Resorts

Overnight charging can be positioned as a premium amenity, enhancing guest convenience and comfort. It not only increases dwell time but also drives higher food and beverage revenue for hotels. For instance, Tata Power has partnered with Le Roi Hotels to deploy 16 chargers across eight resorts, while Madhya Pradesh Tourism is equipping 55 hotels to strengthen its eco-tourism appeal.

In Pilgrimage Routes

Reliable charging infrastructure along pilgrimage corridors supports long-distance devotees and promotes eco-friendly “Green Yatra” travel. By easing range anxiety, such projects encourage wider adoption of sustainable mobility. Uttarakhand’s Char Dham route already has 25 chargers in place, with another 38 planned to serve one of India’s busiest spiritual circuits.

In Hill Stations & Wildlife Sanctuaries

Installing chargers at lodges, park gates, and parking zones helps cut pollution in fragile ecosystems. This infrastructure makes sustainable travel both practical and appealing for eco-conscious visitors. Himachal Pradesh has approved 402 chargers at tourist lodges, while in Kinnaur, EV workshops are encouraging hotels to adopt chargers as a way to attract green travelers.

At Airports & Railway Stations

Long-stay parking facilities at airports and railway stations are ideal for full recharges, making EV use more practical for both business and leisure trips. Government support under FAME-II covers up to 70% of infrastructure costs for such hubs. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has already rolled out multiple public chargers to serve growing demand.

Innovative Models are making these viable

Solar-powered EV Charging

Solar chargers provide clean power in remote or high-altitude regions, reducing grid dependence. They align with sustainable tourism and ensure reliability. Ladakh’s 100 kW solar carport with an 860 kWh battery system is a strong example.

Battery-backed EV Charging

Battery storage makes chargers dependable in areas with weak grids, storing energy for outages and peak loads. Resorts in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh are adopting this model to ensure uninterrupted service for guests.

Tourism PPPs

PPP models share infrastructure costs between governments, hotels, and energy providers. This accelerates charger rollout across destinations. Himachal Pradesh, with ICLEI South Asia, is promoting hotel partnerships through dedicated workshops.

However, for such deployments to be effective, the technology behind the EV chargers must be advanced and robust. Let’s have a look at technologies that make EV charging stations successful in tourist destinations.

EV Chargers used in destinations should have three key technologies

Building on strategic placement and innovative models, the effectiveness of EV charging at tourist destinations also depends on the right technologies. These ensure that charging remains reliable, grid-friendly, and traveller-focused, even in areas with limited infrastructure. Three features stand out as critical for destination charging:

Smart Charging for Local Grid Load Management

• What it does: Utilises intelligent software to adjust charging speeds and timings, slowing during peak demand and accelerating when renewable energy supply is high; it can also align with low-tariff hours.

• Why it matters: Many tourist hubs operate on fragile grids. Smart charging prevents overloads, ensures overnight or off-peak charging, and avoids service disruptions for visitors.

Dynamic Load Balancing for handling multiple vehicles

• What it does: Distributes available electricity among multiple vehicles in real time, sharing load efficiently without requiring major grid upgrades.

• Why it matters: In places like resorts, temples, or wildlife lodges with multiple EVs, it guarantees all visitors get enough charge to continue their trips, making deployment clusters economically viable.  

Remote Monitoring & Uptime Management for performance tracking

• What it does: Enables operators to track charger performance remotely, run diagnostics, and predict faults before failures occur.

• Why it matters: In remote sites where support staff are scarce, reliable uptime is crucial. Tourists need confidence that chargers will work, especially when alternatives could be over 100 km away. High uptime directly translates to better user trust and adoption.  

Smart EV charging enables sustainable tourism

EV charging is more than a convenience; it is a catalyst for sustainable growth in the tourism industry. The aim is to create a travel ecosystem where every journey ends with memories, a fully charged vehicle, and minimal environmental stress. With the proper EV charging infrastructure, India can establish global standards in sustainable tourism.

If EV charging seems like a far cry in today’s tourism market, look at what happened with internet connectivity. 10 years ago, Wi-Fi existed only in offices. Homes had limited mobile data, tourist spots were low on signal. Cut to 2020, and even a small Airbnb in an obscure location had a Wi-Fi.

Exicom is committed to driving this transition, one destination at a time.

🔹 FAQs for EV Charging at Tourist Destinations:

1. Why is EV charging important at tourist destinations in India?

EV charging at tourist destinations is vital because travelers often take long journeys and need reliable charging beyond urban centers. It reduces range anxiety, supports eco-friendly tourism, and aligns with India’s net-zero goals.

2. How does EV charging benefit tourism businesses like hotels and resorts?

Hotels and resorts can offer overnight EV charging as a premium amenity. This increases guest satisfaction, dwell time, and revenue, while also attracting eco-conscious travelers.

3. What global examples show the success of destination EV charging?

Countries like Norway, France, Italy, and the U.S. have installed chargers at scenic sites, wineries, and national parks. These projects boosted EV adoption by 6–11% and promoted sustainable tourism.

4. What policies in India support EV charging at tourist hubs?

Policies like FAME-II, Goa EV Policy (2022), and state initiatives in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh provide subsidies and incentives for installing chargers at hotels, pilgrimage routes, and eco-tourism sites.

5. What technologies make EV charging reliable in tourist areas?

Key technologies include solar-powered chargers, battery-backed systems for weak grids, smart charging for load management, dynamic load balancing, and remote monitoring to ensure uptime.

6. How do EV charging stations make a difference in local communities?

EV charging stations at tourist hubs boost local businesses, cut pollution, and give travelers confidence to explore sustainably.

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