Electric vehicle (EV) charging operators across Tamil Nadu are grappling with a significant rise in operational costs following a sharp hike in electricity tariffs by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC), effective from July 1. The increase threatens the affordability and viability of public EV charging infrastructure, especially in urban centres like Chennai and Coimbatore.While the time-of-day (ToD) tariff model remains in place, electricity rates have been revised upwards across all slots. Charging during solar hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will now cost ₹6.50 per kWh. Peak hour tariffs (6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) have risen to ₹9.75 per kWh from ₹9.45. Night-time charging (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) has also seen an increase, from ₹7.85 to ₹8.10 per kWh.
However, industry insiders say the most impactful change is the steep hike in fixed monthly charges for high-tension (HT) connections — which are essential for fast-charging EV stations. Fixed charges have jumped from ₹145 to ₹304 per kVA. As a result, a typical 50 kW fast charger now incurs a fixed monthly cost of ₹2,750, more than double the previous ₹1,300.
Operators worry that these cost increases may discourage investment in new charging stations and slow down Tamil Nadu’s EV adoption drive. Many are calling on the state government and TNERC to offer relief or incentives to support the EV ecosystem and meet green mobility goals.