Beyond Cities: How EV Chargers are a game changer for Indian Villages and Towns
When we talk about growth and India, the first picture that comes to mind is a dazzling city. A series of skyscrapers on either side of a wide, multi-lane road. Sleek, super-fast cars zooming into the sunset. Towns and villages come more as an afterthought, and they are rarely seen with a lens of self-sufficiency. This is an incomplete, incorrect approach.
Conversations around growth must include and account for rural and semi-urban regions of India. Why?
Rural regions alone make up nearly two-thirds of India’s population, about 64.6% as of 2023, and cover more than 70% of the land area. Add semi-urban towns to that mix. They account for another 20–25% of people. These regions are not just important, but central to India’s growth story.
Rural and semi-urban areas are the backbone of the Indian economy
Agriculture, which primarily happens in rural regions, employs approximately 55% of India’s total workforce and accounts for nearly 1/5th of its total GDP. Beyond farms, you’ve got local markets buzzing with trade, dairies linking producers to consumers, and countless small enterprises driving day-to-day livelihoods, creating a huge, interconnected ecosystem. However, the full potential of such an ecosystem cannot be achieved unless there’s good transportation.
Access to transport is insufficient
Access to transport continues to be one of the biggest hurdles for rural and semi-urban India, even as mobility demand keeps climbing.
These regions already generate nearly half of India’s daily passenger trips. Close to 70% of freight moves by road and much of it is tied to rural supply chains. Over 80% of passenger trips here rely on shared transportation, such as autos, buses, and even tractors. Additionally, small-scale logistics networks continue to operate in mandis, ensuring that MSMEs remain supplied.
These areas, while still underserved, are actually creating a new market for vehicle sales.
But here’s the question worth asking: can this increase in vehicles work in the long term? Given surging fuel prices and maintenance costs, owning ICE vehicles places a heavy financial burden on most rural families.
EVs are an easier solution to the transport problem
In 2023 alone, India consumed approximately 87 million tons of diesel. Agriculture and rural transport are at the center of this demand. The issue with this?
With 85% of crude oil being imported, every spike in global oil prices lands directly on farmers and small businesses. Fuel alone eats up 30-35% of logistics costs, chipping away at already slim margins. It makes you wonder, how sustainable is this in the long run? And of course, there’s the environmental tab. Road transport is responsible for 13% of India’s CO₂ emissions, with tractors, buses, and rural carriers adding significantly to the load.
Here’s where the opportunity comes in. Instead of increasing the number of ICE vehicles to improve access to transport, let’s create space for more EVs to penetrate instead.
Maintenace of EVs is significantly cheaper than ICEs, but that’s not the only point. EVs are actually better suited for such geographies. How?
Rural and semi-urban areas are often remote. It is difficult to set up pipelines, or transport fuel there. Most of rural India receives abundant sunshine, about 4 to 7 kWh per square meter each day. Using solar panels and Battery-Energy Storage Systems (BESS), one can actually build reliable, low-cost EV charging stations, which are not entirely dependent on the power grid.
So EVs here aren’t just about climate action. They’re about reducing import dependence, lowering logistics costs, and building long-term resilience into the rural economy.
The success of EVs here will depend on the EV charging infrastructure
As iterated in our previous blogs, global evidence suggests that EV adoption is directly linked to EV charging ease. For India’s hinterland, where demand for transport is rising every day, this will decide whether EVs remain a promising idea or become part of daily life.
Who benefits from this shift is equally important:
- Farmers & Agri Businesses: Imagine saving ₹2,000–3,000 a month just on fuel with EV tractors. Additionally, cold-chain EV vans can reduce logistics costs, making it easier and more cost-effective to transport produce from farms to markets.
- Local Transport Providers: Currently, three-wheelers, such as autos and e-rickshaws, already account for approximately 65% of EV sales in India. For drivers who depend on daily trips to earn a living, affordable charging hubs could be a game-changer; lower running costs mean more income stability.
- MSMEs: Small businesses, especially the 63 million MSMEs contributing nearly 30% of GDP, can cut logistics costs by 15–20% with EVs. That’s a direct boost to competitiveness in tight-margin markets
- Rural Households: Two- and three-wheeler EVs cost almost 80% less to run than petrol ones. For families, this means mobility that’s not just cleaner but also far more affordable.
So far so good. But how do we build EV charging stations in such areas?
EV charging stations should be integrated into broader logistics for success
Think about it: farm-to-market runs, cold storage supply chains, food parks, dairies, even mandis, these are the daily lifelines of rural commerce.
Take the farm-to-market link. India already has over 1,500 e-NAM mandis, where farmers bring produce every day. If EVs handle these short hauls, a farmer can save ₹2,000 - 3,000 every month. Scale that across states, and you’re looking at serious income support for rural households. Then there are the 909 food parks and agro-industrial estates, natural spots to anchor charging hubs for tractors, processing units, and bulk distribution fleets.
Cold chains and dairies are another obvious fit. With nearly 8,700 cold storages and over 1.5 lakh dairy societies, these hubs are already central to agri-logistics. Equipping them with EV charging ensures that reefer trucks, milk vans, and bulk carriers can run more efficiently and cleanly. Export packhouses which handle over $50 billion in agri-exports every year are also perfect candidates to plug into green logistics through on-site EV chargers.
Community ownership makes this even stronger. Mandis, poultry markets, and the 10,000+ farmer producer organizations (FPOs) across India can co-own and manage EV charging infrastructure, ensuring it’s sustainable and locally governed. And beyond that, rural highways: carrying nearly 40% of freight, could host hybrid hubs for everything from tractors, to light commercial vehicles, while agro-tourism clusters double up as public charging points.
This approach is viable and already in progress
EV 2Ws, 3Ws, and e-tractors are making early inroads. Over the next 2–5 years, rapid solar charging and battery swapping models are expected to gain traction. Looking further ahead, in 5–10 years, we’ll likely see smart grids and renewable hubs turning rural India into a self-sustaining energy ecosystem.
Such EV Charging Stations be scaled effectively
Scalability is a product of 3 factors – technology, business models, and awareness.
3 key technologies are helping with scalability
- Solar-Powered Charging & Microgrids:
In rural areas where power cuts are frequent, solar charging is a game-changer. Maharashtra’s 2025 initiative is rolling out 800 rural charging points, many powered by solar and microgrids, keeping costs low at around ₹5-7/kWh).
- Portable charging units
These work like mobile power banks for EVs and are being tested in areas that have logistical challenges in establishing fixed EV charging stations.
- Battery Swapping for 2Ws/3Ws:
E-rickshaws and scooters are very common, not just in cities, but also small towns. This is creating a whole new approach, where drivers can replace a drained battery in two minutes. Successful players have emerged in this segment, startups like Battery Smart now operating over 500+ stations with over 10 million swaps completed.
2 Business Models are gaining popularity
- Community-Owned Stations:
Several panchayats and women’s self-help groups are experimenting with community-run charging kiosks. Local ownership not only ensures accountability but also keeps earnings within the village, supporting livelihoods.
- Pay-per-Use & Subscriptions:
Rural EV drivers often prefer simple pay-per-use charging, but subscription models are gaining traction. Bounce Infinity offers a plan where buyers pay less for the scooter upfront and then subscribe for batteries: ₹849 per month plus ₹35 per swap. This lowers per-km costs to under ₹1, far cheaper than petrol.
Awareness & Skill Development initiatives are being taken
- Training Local Mechanics:
The government’s 2025 EV skill program is training thousands of rural youth as certified EV technicians. Many are already operating village charging stations, ensuring local support for repairs and creating steady incomes of ₹12,000 - 20,000 per month.
- Demo Projects in Communities:
Pilot projects help build trust. In Gujarat and Rajasthan, women using e-scooters under an NGO-led program saved nearly 1,000 kg CO₂ in seven months and slashed fuel expenses. Many participants later expressed readiness to finance their own EVs, influencing others in their community to consider making the switch.
EV charging in rural and semi-urban areas will transform India
EV charging in semi-urban and rural India holds the key to social and economic transformation. With rising mobility demand, agriculture-linked logistics, and small industries, electrification can cut fuel costs, boost farmer margins, and power green supply chains. By integrating charging with mandis, cold storages, dairies, and solar hubs, rural India can anchor a sustainable, community-driven EV future.
Explore our EV charging solutions here.
Glossary
- EV (Electric Vehicle): A vehicle powered by electricity stored in batteries, rather than petrol or diesel engines.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- EV Charger / EV Charging Station: A device or site that supplies electrical energy for charging EV batteries.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Semi-Urban: Areas that are in transition between rural and urban, often with basic development but not full metropolitan infrastructure.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) Vehicles: Vehicles powered by engines using fuel such as petrol or diesel, as opposed to electric motors.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Battery-Energy Storage System (BESS): Technology used to store solar or grid electricity for delivery to EVs during charging.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Solar Power/Panel: System that converts sunlight into electricity, used for rural charging stations where grid access is limited.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Microgrid: A local energy grid powered by sources like solar, supplying power independently or alongside the main grid.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Portable Charging Unit: Mobile charging devices that work like power banks for EVs in locations lacking fixed infrastructure.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Battery Swapping: The practice of quickly replacing depleted batteries in EVs, suited for 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Community-Owned Station: Charging infrastructure managed and owned by local organizations such as panchayats and self-help groups.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Pay-per-Use: A payment model where users pay each time they use a charging service, with no long-term commitment.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Subscription Model: Payment system where users pay monthly or regular fees for access to batteries or charging services.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Cold Chain: Logistics system that keeps produce, dairy, or other perishables chilled during transport, increasingly using EVs.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises): Local businesses that benefit from reduced logistics costs due to EVs.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Mandis: Agricultural markets where farmers sell produce; strategic locations for EV charging hubs.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Agro-Industrial Estate/Food Park: Dedicated zones for farming and food processing, suitable for installing charging stations.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Farmer Producer Organization (FPO): Groups representing farmers that can co-own and manage shared infrastructure like EV charging stations.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Skill Development: Government or NGO programs to train local youth as certified EV technicians for rural charging stations.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
- Logistics: The management of transportation and delivery of goods, made more affordable through EVs in rural supply chains.rural-EV-charging-Blog-1.docx
FAQs
What are the main benefits of EV charging in rural and semi-urban areas?
- Cheaper transport: Cost per km for EVs is significantly less than petrol/diesel vehicles, and maintenance is lower.
- Reduced fuel import dependence: Less reliance on imported crude oil, which is costly and volatile.
- Environmental impact: EVs cut transport emissions, reduce air pollution, and enable the use of renewable energy.
- Economic upliftment: Savings on fuel and logistics directly boost household and business incomes in villages and towns.
What kinds of EVs and charging stations are suited for non-urban India?
- Two-wheelers and three-wheelers (e-rickshaws, scooters): Most EV sales in India are in these categories, which suit short rural commutes and local transport.
- Solar-powered stations: Effective due to high sunlight and unreliable grid supply, with Maharashtra piloting rural solar chargers.
- Battery swapping stations: Ideal for three-wheelers and scooters in areas where charging infrastructure is limited.
How can villages set up charging stations and what business models work?
- Community ownership: Panchayats and local cooperatives can set up and run stations, keeping profits within the community.
- Pay-per-use and subscription models: Simple pay-per-use is popular, but some providers offer monthly battery subscriptions to lower upfront costs and improve accessibility.
What are the major challenges to rural EV charging?
- Power availability: Many rural areas face frequent outages, making solar and battery-based solutions essential.
- High setup costs: Infrastructure costs can be high in remote areas, but government subsidies and PPPs (public-private partnerships) can help.
- Skill and awareness gaps: Training local youth and mechanics ensures maintenance and encourages wider adoption.
How long does it take to charge an EV in rural areas?
- Charging time depends on charger type (AC or DC) and vehicle battery size. For example, slow home charging can take 6–7 hours for an economy car, while fast DC stations (where available) can reach 80% in under an hour.
- Battery swapping for e-rickshaws and scooters often takes just 2–5 minutes per swap.
Are there government incentives or support for rural EV charging?
- Several programs support rural EV charging, including skill development for technicians, subsidies, and pilot projects for solar and community-based charging stations.
Is EV charging safe in villages?
- Yes, when proper equipment (like EVSEs), certified technicians, and safety standards (as per the Bureau of Indian Standards) are followed.
What is the cost of charging an EV in rural India?
- Using solar, costs can be as low as ₹5–7/kWh; pay-per-use stations typically offer substantial savings over petrol.
Bibliography
- Aanchal. (2025). Rural EV Charging Stations Expanding in 2025: ZP’s Green Mobility Push in Maharashtra Villages. Retrieved from [ZPPSGP News].
- Government of India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). (2023). Road Transport Yearbook 2020–21 (latest available). New Delhi: MoRTH.
- Government of India. (2024). Economic Survey 2023–24. Ministry of Finance, New Delhi.
- Honda Motor Co. (2022). How powering 8 million rickshaws with batteries could help India go carbon-zero. Nature.
- Kwatra, S., et al. (2024). Road Testing Electric Mobility in Rural India. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
- National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). (2019–21). Household Vehicle Ownership Data. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
- NITI Aayog. (Various Years). Reports on Electric Mobility and Vehicle Penetration in India. New Delhi: Government of India.
- ZPPSGP News. (2025). Free EV Technician Training for Rural Students – Skill Program Launched.