Chennai, July 15:
The Tamil Nadu government has unveiled a series of policy and regulatory measures to accelerate the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, targeting the establishment of 20,000 public charging stations by 2031 under its Vetri Tamizhagam initiative.
The decisions were finalised following a high-level review chaired by the Chief Secretary on July 13, as directed by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, to assess the current availability and future requirements of EV charging facilities across the State. Subsequently, a High-Level Technical Committee led by the Chairman and Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL), with participation from ITDP India and Guidance Tamil Nadu, firmed up key initiatives to boost sector growth.
A major highlight of the new framework is the introduction of dedicated EV sub-metering within existing electricity connections. Under this provision, consumers with High Tension (HT) and Extra High Tension (EHT) connections can install EV charging facilities within their sanctioned load and have the consumption billed separately under EV tariffs. Crucially, this eliminates the need for a separate service connection and exempts users from fixed and demand charges, with only energy charges applicable.
Officials said this move is expected to significantly reduce upfront costs and remove infrastructure duplication, thereby encouraging a wide range of establishments — including industries, commercial complexes, educational institutions, hospitals, and residential communities — to set up charging stations.
In addition, the government will also permit consumers to obtain dedicated service connections exclusively for EV charging infrastructure within the same premises, offering greater operational flexibility for large-scale deployments.
In a bid to further incentivise investment, the Technical Committee has proposed amendments to the Tamil Nadu Electric Vehicle Policy, 2023. The recommendations include waiving or substantially reducing fixed and demand charges for EV charging stations, recognising that the sector is still in a nascent stage and requires policy support to achieve scale.
The State government said the measures are aimed at lowering entry barriers for private players, catalysing investments, and building a robust, accessible, and future-ready EV charging ecosystem. The initiative is also expected to reinforce Tamil Nadu’s position as a leading hub for electric mobility and sustainable transportation in the country.
Officials indicated that the policy push aligns with broader efforts to promote clean energy adoption, reduce vehicular emissions, and support the State’s long-term climate and urban mobility goals.