Mahatma Phule Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Technology (MAHAPREIT), a subsidiary of Mahatma Phule Backward Class Development Corporation (MPBCDCL), has invited bids from prospective empanelment agencies to set up 350 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Maharashtra.

The bidders must pay an earnest money deposit of ₹50,000 (~$600) and a non-refundable registration charge of ₹50,000 (~$600) plus 18% GST.

The bids are due on April 12, 2024, and open on the same day. The period of empanelment for the agencies is for two years.

MAHAPREIT plans to set up the charging stations in the municipal corporation areas of Thane, Mira – Bhayander, Chandrapur, and across railway stations that fall under the Konkan Railways.

The systems can be installed with one 144 kW charger, which has two 60 kW fast DC chargers (with charging time of 40-50 minutes preferably for four-wheelers) and three 10 kW slow AC chargers (charging time 4-5 hours for two, three and four-wheelers).

Bidders are also free to install any charger other than those specified in the tender, subject to compliance with technical & safety standards laid down by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

The scope of the work consists of installing 350 charging stations, carrying out operation and maintenance, and providing charging services to end users. Bidders will also have to incur electricity charges. They are tasked with developing a suitable software application to enable advanced remote or online booking of charging slots for EV owners in real-time.

The bidder shall have to earmark a space of 100 square feet at the location to set up battery swapping stations, which can be installed in the future. The bidder shall deploy backward-class beneficiaries of MPBCDC for the operation & maintenance of the EV charging stations.

Bidders must have set up at least ten public EV charging stations in the last five years. They should have an average annual turnover of ₹30 million ($361,445) in the last five financial years and have demonstrated only positive net worth.

MPBCDC beneficiaries or any startup unit of Scheduled Caste beneficiaries will have to provide valid caste, domicile, and incorporation certificates.

Last October, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation floated tenders for installing 11 EV charging stations around railway and bus depots.

According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, 8,738 public EV charging stations were operational in the country as of June 2023.