Long-distance travel is the true test of an EV charging network. India's highway charging has grown quickly, but drivers still find stretches where chargers are far apart, unreliable or missing altogether.
Where things stand
In August 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways reported 4,557 public charging stations on national highways, state highways and expressways combined, out of more than 29,000 public charging stations nationwide. Officials also acknowledged that distribution is uneven: metro regions and some developed highway stretches are well served, while remote areas and less busy corridors remain underserved.
The targets
India's 2024 charging guidelines set coverage goals that include charging stations every 20 km on both sides of highways and major roads, and fast charging for long-range and heavy-duty vehicles every 100 km on designated corridors.
Where the gaps tend to be
- Less busy corridors where traffic does not yet justify private investment.
- Hilly and remote regions with weaker grid supply.
- Heavy vehicle charging, which needs high power and space for trucks and buses.
- Reliability gaps, where a single charger per site leaves drivers stranded if it fails.
- Amenities, as many sites lack good food, washrooms and lighting.
What is being built
Public support under PM E-DRIVE prioritises high-density areas, including major highways, and covers sites such as fuel outlets and toll plazas. Private operators have also announced large highway expansion plans. Together, these should narrow gaps over the next few years, especially on major routes.
For site owners on highways, the opportunity is real: routes with growing EV traffic and few reliable chargers are where new sites can build loyalty fastest.
What makes a good highway site
Multiple chargers per site for redundancy, high power for cars and space for larger vehicles, round-the-clock access, food and washrooms, and live availability in apps. Read more in our guide to what makes a highway corridor ready for EVs.