India crosses 27,000 EV charger milestone as petrol pumps morph into “energy stations”
By Axel Miller | 26 Dec 2025
India has significantly accelerated its transition to sustainable mobility, ending the year with a robust network of over 27,432 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations installed at petrol pumps nationwide.
The milestone, highlighted in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas’s (MoPNG) 2025 Year-End Review released today, marks a decisive shift in the country’s energy infrastructure. By leveraging the widespread reach of existing fuel outlets, the government aims to eliminate “range anxiety” for EV owners while modernizing the traditional fuel retail sector.
A Two-Pronged Infrastructure Push
The rapid expansion is the result of a hybrid investment strategy combining government subsidies and corporate capital:
- Government-Backed: Under the FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme, 8,932 charging stations were established.
- Corporate Investment: Public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)—including IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL—invested their own capital to deploy an additional 18,500+ chargers.
“The integration of charging infrastructure into daily commuting routes is critical,” the Ministry noted. “By transforming fuel pumps into charging hubs, we are ensuring that the transition from internal combustion engines to electric power is seamless for the Indian motorist.”
Rise of the “Energy Station”
The report underscores a broader strategic pivot: the evolution of the humble petrol pump into the integrated “Energy Station.” These new-age hubs offer a basket of fuel options—petrol, diesel, CNG, biofuels, and EV charging—under one roof.
As of November 1, 2025, 1,064 of these multi-fuel stations have been commissioned. The government has outlined an ambitious roadmap to scale this up, planning to operationalize 4,000 Energy Stations between the 2024-25 and 2028-29 fiscal years.
Ethanol Blending Saves ₹1.55 Lakh Crore
Beyond electrification, India achieved significant strides in energy security through its Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program. During the 2024–25 supply year, ethanol blending reached an average of 19.24%, bringing the country within striking distance of its 20% (E20) target.
The economic impact of this initiative has been substantial. By substituting imported crude oil with domestically produced ethanol, India achieved cumulative foreign exchange savings exceeding ₹1.55 lakh crore ($18.5 billion). The push for biofuels also saw the operationalization of Second-Generation (2G) ethanol plants in Panipat and Numaligarh.
Logistics and Welfare: The “APNA GHAR” Initiative
Acknowledging the critical role of the logistics sector, OMCs have ramped up the “APNA GHAR” initiative to improve working conditions for truck drivers. More than 500 rest areas have been established at highway fuel stations, providing drivers with dormitories, clean sanitation, and self-cooking facilities. This move is aimed at reducing fatigue-related road accidents and improving the welfare of the workforce.
Digitalization and Last-Mile Delivery
The retail experience at fuel outlets has also undergone a digital overhaul. According to the review:
- Digitalization: Over 90,000 outlets are now equipped with digital payment facilities, supported by 2.71 lakh POS terminals.
- Last-Mile Access: Over 3,200 fuel bowsers (mobile dispensers) have been commissioned for doorstep diesel delivery in remote areas.
Summary
India has successfully installed over 27,432 EV charging stations at petrol pumps as of late 2025, combining government FAME-II subsidies with private OMC capital. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas also reported major strides in its “Energy Station” rollout, with over 1,000 multi-fuel hubs now operational. These infrastructure gains, alongside a record 19.24% ethanol blending rate—which saved the exchequer ₹1.55 lakh crore—and the APNA GHAR driver welfare project, represent a comprehensive modernization of India’s transport and energy ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many EV charging stations are currently at Indian petrol pumps?
As of December 2025, there are 27,432 charging stations operational across the country’s fuel retail network.
Q2: What is an “Energy Station”?
It is a modernized retail outlet that provides multiple energy sources—including petrol, diesel, CNG, biofuels, and EV charging—at a single location.
Q3: How much money did ethanol blending save India?
The 19.24% blending average in 2025 resulted in foreign exchange savings of over ₹1.55 lakh crore.
Q4: What is the “APNA GHAR” initiative?
It is a welfare scheme providing rest and hygiene facilities (dormitories, toilets, and cooking areas) for truck drivers at highway fuel stations.