Use of EVs going up steadily: Consumption at public chargers rises by 72%

NEW DELHI: Electricity consumption at public charging stations (PCS) jumped by over 72% in 2025-26, indicating a steady rise in the use of electric vehicles - private and commercial - as India's automotive sector shifts towards cleaner energy.Data compiled by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) showed that 848 million units (MU) of electricity were consumed by public chargers in FY25, which increased to 1,460 MU in FY26. Over 74% of the electricity was consumed at heavy-duty public chargers used by electric buses, trucks, high-capacity passenger coaches and commercial fleet vehicles, while light and medium personal and commercial e-vehicles consumed 26%. In FY25, heavy-duty and medium and light vehicles accounted for 70% and 30% of electricity consumption, respectively.The data, howeve