Electric vehicle charging infrastructure on Indian highways has expanded rapidly in 2026, with over 4,000 public charging stations now operational along major national highways and expressways. According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the FAME-II and PLI schemes have driven a 300 percent increase in highway EV charging since 2023. NHAI has mandated EV charging stations every 100 km on all new expressways, making long-distance EV travel increasingly practical. This guide covers highway EV charging locations, costs and practical tips for 2026.
Table of Contents
Highway Charging Network
| Highway/Expressway | Stations | Fast Chargers | Spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi-Mumbai Expressway | 24 | 48 | Every 50 km |
| Golden Quadrilateral | 180 | 360 | Every 100 km |
| Chennai-Bengaluru Highway | 35 | 70 | Every 80 km |
| Delhi-Jaipur Expressway | 12 | 24 | Every 30 km |
| Mumbai-Pune Expressway | 8 | 16 | Every 20 km |
Charging Costs on Highways
| Charger Type | Power | Time to 80% | Cost per kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slow (AC) | 3.3 to 7 kW | 4 to 6 hours | 8 to 10 rupees |
| Fast (DC) | 15 to 50 kW | 1 to 2 hours | 12 to 15 rupees |
| Super Fast (DC) | 150 to 350 kW | 15 to 30 min | 18 to 25 rupees |
Charging Networks Compared
| Network | Stations | Highway Coverage | App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Power | 5,000+ | Major highways | Tata Power EZ |
| Ather Grid | 1,500+ | South India focus | Ather app |
| Statiq | 700+ | North India highways | Statiq app |
| ChargeZone | 500+ | Expressways | ChargeZone app |
| IOCL | 2,000+ | Highway petrol pumps | IOCL EV |
Highway EV Travel Tips
Plan charging stops before departure using apps like PlugShare or Tata Power EZ. Charge to 80 percent rather than 100 percent for faster charging. Avoid rapid acceleration on highways to conserve range. Travel during cooler hours as AC usage reduces range by 15 percent. Keep a backup charging app installed. Most highway stations accept UPI payments.
You May Also Like: Highway Safety Tips, National Highways, and Highway Rest Stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many EV charging stations are on Indian highways?
Over 4,000 public charging stations are operational along major highways, with NHAI mandating stations every 100 km on new expressways.
How much does it cost to charge an EV on a highway?
Fast charging costs 12 to 15 rupees per kWh. A full charge for a typical EV (40 kWh battery) costs approximately 500 to 600 rupees.
How long does highway EV charging take?
Super-fast DC chargers (150+ kW) can charge to 80 percent in 15 to 30 minutes. Standard fast chargers take 1 to 2 hours.
Can I drive an EV from Delhi to Mumbai?
Yes, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway has 24 charging stations every 50 km, making the journey practical with 3 to 4 charging stops.
Which app shows highway charging stations?
PlugShare, Tata Power EZ, Statiq and ChargeZone apps all show real-time charger availability on Indian highways.
Do highway EV stations accept UPI?
Yes, most highway charging stations accept UPI payments, and some also offer card and wallet payment options.