India’s Tata Motors, a leading global automobile manufacturer, has announced a significant collaboration with Bharat Petroleum, a major player in the Indian oil and gas sector, to enhance the accessibility of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The partnership aims to set up 7,000 EV chargers across India, marking a major step in supporting the country’s growing EV ecosystem. 

This initiative is part of a concerted effort to make EV charging more accessible and convenient for consumers. The collaboration between Tata Motors and Bharat Petroleum is expected to significantly expand the charging infrastructure, addressing one of the key challenges in the adoption of electric vehicles in India.

The 7,000 EV chargers will be strategically installed at various locations, including Bharat Petroleum fuel stations, to ensure maximum accessibility and convenience for EV users. This network will play a crucial role in providing reliable and easy access to charging facilities, thereby encouraging more consumers to opt for electric vehicles. The two companies are also exploring the possibility of introducing a convenient payment system through a co-branded RFID card, making payment easier for Tata EV users.

Tata Motors has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle movement in India, with a range of EVs already in the market. This collaboration with Bharat Petroleum underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility and its vision to support the government’s push towards electric vehicles.

“EV adoption is a key imperative to combat the deteriorating air quality in Indian cities. Wide-spread and reliable charging infrastructure will be a key catalyst for accelerating EV adoption in India,” said Shailesh Chandra, managing director, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd.

Bharat Petroleum, traditionally known for its petroleum products, is diversifying its portfolio by venturing into the EV charging domain. This move signifies the company’s adaptation to the changing energy landscape and its commitment to supporting environmentally friendly transportation alternatives.

“BPCL is constantly striving to align with the nation’s vision to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040,” said Santosh Kumar, executive director in charge of Retail at BPCL. “BPCL is steadily moving closer to the goal of converting 7,000 of our conventional retail outlets into energy stations which is a part of a comprehensive decarbonisation strategy to support and prioritize sustainable initiatives.”

Bharat currently operates more than 21,000 fuel stations across India. Bharat has also initiated more than 90 fast-charging highway corridors, to ensure that a fast-charging station is available every 100 kilometres on each side of the highway. These will then cover more than 30,000 kilometres across India.

The collaboration between Tata Motors and Bharat Petroleum is seen as a model for public-private partnerships in the EV sector. It sets a precedent for how automotive manufacturers and energy companies can work together to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation solutions.

The collaboration between Tata Motors and Bharat Petroleum is seen as a model for public-private partnerships in the EV sector. It sets a precedent for how automotive manufacturers and energy companies can work together to accelerate the transition to sustainable transportation solutions.