An Electric Vehicle Accelerator Cell was inaugurated here on Wednesday aimed at upgrading the EV charging stations established by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).

Inaugurating the EV Accelerator Cell, Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty said that the number of electric vehicles on Kerala roads was increasing and the KSEB should ensure a fully-equipped charging network to cater to their needs.

The cell was inaugurated during a workshop organised jointly by the KSEB and the Rocky Mountain Institute on ‘Revamping EV Charging Ecosystem in Kerala.’ KSEB is the nodal agency for establishing charging networks in the State under the State’s e-mobility policy.

There were complaints that the stations established in Puthupadi, Koyilandy, Kandassankadavu, Wadakkanchery and Kuttikattoor were not compatible with EVs operating on new technologies. The KSEB is in the process of upgrading these and other fast-charging facilities, a statement said.

Once this scheme, named ‘Refresh and Recharge,’ is implemented, four vehicles can be recharged at the stations at a time. Amenities such as cafeteria, washrooms, and wi-fi facility also will be provided at the stations.

Biju Prabhakar, Chairman and Managing Director, KSEB, who presided, said charging facilities will be set up at government, semi-government and public sector institutions. Energy Management Centre director R. Harikumar, KSRTC CMD Pramoj Shankar, and directors of the KSEB were present.