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 ā¹6.50 per kWh. Peak hour tariffs (6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) have risen to ā¹9.75 per kWh from ā¹9.45. Night-time charging (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) has also seen an increase, from ā¹7.85 to ā¹8.10 per kWh.
However, industry insiders say the most impactful change is the steep hike in fixed monthly charges for high-tension (HT) connections ā which are essential for fast-charging EV stations. Fixed charges have jumped from ā¹145 to ā¹304 per kVA. As a result, a typical 50 kW fast charger now incurs a fixed monthly cost of ā¹2,750, more than double the previous ā¹1,300.
Operators worry that these cost increases may discourage investment in new charging stations and slow down Tamil Naduās 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.