Karnataka · BESCOM

    EV Charging in Karnataka — Frequently Asked Questions

    Karnataka is India's EV capital by absolute volume. Charging infrastructure is regulated by KERC and delivered through BESCOM in Bengaluru and four sister DISCOMs (MESCOM, CESC, HESCOM, GESCOM) across the rest of the state. Below are the questions our Karnataka customers ask most often.

    In Bengaluru urban and rural, BESCOM issues the sanction. Elsewhere in Karnataka it is MESCOM (coastal), CESC (Mysuru division), HESCOM (Hubballi/Dharwad) or GESCOM (Kalaburagi/Ballari). Tariff and safety rules are common because they are notified by KERC (Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission).
    For any public charger, and for AC chargers above 7.4 kW at commercial premises, KERC requires a dedicated LT-6(a) EV tariff connection. For home chargers up to 7.4 kW you can extend from the existing sanctioned load provided total load stays within contract demand — otherwise apply for enhancement.
    Typical end-to-end timeline is 30–55 working days: 3–5 days for online application on the sevasindhu portal, 7–10 days for feasibility study and quotation, 10–20 days for depositing supervision charges and civil work, 5–10 days for CEIG (Chief Electrical Inspectorate) inspection, and 3–7 days for meter installation.
    Under KERC's latest tariff order, LT-6(a) EV charging tariff is a concessional single-part rate of approximately ₹5.50–6.50 per unit with no demand charge for connected load up to 150 kW, and a modest demand charge above that. Rates are revised each financial year — verify the current KERC order before quoting.
    DC fast charging in Bengaluru typically retails at ₹15–20 per kWh and AC destination charging at ₹8–14 per kWh. The difference between the LT-6 input tariff and the driver-facing price covers hardware amortisation, CMS, GST, PG fees and CPO/franchise margin.
    The 2022–2027 policy offers 25% capital subsidy (up to ₹10 lakh) for the first 100 fast charging stations in each of Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi-Dharwad and Kalaburagi, 100% SGST reimbursement on charger purchase, and stamp duty exemption on land leased for charging. Central PM E-DRIVE subsidies stack on top.
    Karnataka does not offer a direct rebate on home wallboxes, but BESCOM does not levy service connection deposit if the wallbox is installed within existing sanctioned load. RWAs installing shared apartment chargers on common-area meters can claim 25% capital subsidy under the state policy.
    Aadhaar/PAN of applicant, GST certificate, ownership deed or notarised lease with landlord NOC, site layout with earthing plan, single-line diagram signed by a licensed electrical contractor, CEIG safety certificate for stations above 25 kW, and consent-to-establish from KSPCB for stations above 100 kW.
    Fire NOC is mandatory only for indoor installations above 100 kW or in basement locations. CEIG (Karnataka Electrical Inspectorate) inspection is compulsory for every installation above 250V at 25 kW and above; below that, a certified contractor's test report suffices.
    Turnkey investment for a Mini Hub (2×60 kW DC + 4 AC) starts at ₹15 lakh in tier-2 cities and ₹22–28 lakh in Bengaluru where site rentals and civil works are higher. PixellEnergy handles BESCOM/MESCOM liaison, hardware, CMS, branding and settlements — you provide site and working capital.
    Yes. We deploy AC destination and DC fast chargers at Manyata, EGL, Whitefield, ORR and Electronic City campuses. Corporate installations typically run on the existing HT connection with a sub-meter, so LT-6 conversion is not required and approval time drops to 2–3 weeks.
    The Bengaluru–Mysuru expressway, NH 48 to Tumkur/Chitradurga, NH 75 to Mangaluru and the Bengaluru–Hyderabad corridor all qualify for PM E-DRIVE 80% capital subsidy on 400 kW MegaHubs. PixellEnergy is a listed OEM under the scheme.
    Yes. We handle RWA approval, dedicated BESCOM sub-meter application under the domestic-EV rider tariff, cable run from the meter room to your parking bay, and RCBO-protected wallbox installation. All-in cost is typically ₹35,000–65,000 for a 7.4 kW charger depending on cable length.
    Yes. KERC allows net metering up to 10 kW for residential connections and gross metering above that. Combining a 5 kW rooftop with a 7.4 kW charger typically achieves 60–70% grid offset for a car driving 40 km/day.

    PixellEnergy in Karnataka

    Explore city-specific EV charging pages:

    Bengaluru Mysuru
    View FAQs for other South India states