Mangaluru: Electric vehicle (EV) users are frequently finding charging stations at fuel outlets either non-functional or unavailable, raising concerns over the reliability of the city’s public charging infrastructure.A petroleum dealer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said several charging stations installed at fuel stations, particularly those operated by oil marketing companies (OMCs), are either not working or are not actively promoted by dealers.Many were installed as part of govt initiatives to expand the EV charging network. However, dealers have little financial incentive to operate them, as most charging revenue goes to OMCs while dealers bear operational expenses.Another petroleum dealers’ industry source said dealers are required to provide electricity connections and, in some cases, bear initial infrastructure costs, including transformer installation. Though electricity expenses are later reimbursed by oil companies, the process can take time, blocking working capital for months.“There is very little financial benefit for dealers. For many, operating charging stations is more of a service than a revenue-generating activity,” the source said.He added that some charging stations become unavailable during power outages, particularly in rural areas, as they operate on dedicated electricity connections and cannot be powered by generators. During monsoon disruptions, chargers may continue to appear as available on mobile apps even when they are not functioning due to power supply issues, he said.An EV industry expert said the lack of reliable public charging infrastructure remains a major concern, especially for commercial EV operators. The expert also alleged that tariffs at some fuel station-based charging points are significantly higher than the actual cost of electricity, making EV operations less viable.Prajesh KJ, former president of Team Green City Auto Chalaka Malakara Sangha, said several charging stations at petrol bunks across the city were out of order. “Private chargers are functioning, though they are expensive,” he said.Dilraj Alva, owner of Sri Ganesh Prasad Bus, which operates the city’s only private electric bus, said majority of the city’s EV charging stations existed only on paper and claimed some petrol bunk owners had complained about inadequate maintenance support from charger companies.QuotesThis is a major challenge for electric autorickshaw drivers. Govt-operated charging stations in the city are few. Even the charging station at the MESCOM office in Bejai does not work consistently.Prajesh KJ | Former president, Team Green City Auto Chalaka Malakara Sangha,I am planning to set up an EV charging station. However, the lack of infrastructure can discourage bus operators and others from switching to electric vehicles. Mangaluru witnesses a large tourist inflow, but its EV charging network remains inadequate.Dilraj Alva | Proprietor, Sri Ganesh Prasad BusBOX:EV Vehicles active under RTO Mangalore (as of July 31)Two-wheelers (personal use): 1,356Three-wheelers (personal use): 6Private cars: 418Two-wheelers (for hire): 1Three-wheelers (for hire): 145Three-wheelers (commercial use): 9Goods vehicles: 10Buses: 1
