Starting an EV charging station business in Delhi requires careful planning, a suitable location, appropriate electrical infrastructure and compliance with the requirements applicable to the charging facility.
Requirements can differ depending on whether you plan to operate a public charging station, a private/semi-public charging facility or a charging station combined with another business, as well as the type and capacity of chargers being installed. Delhi's EV framework specifically supports the development of both private and public charging infrastructure.
At Remind Legal LLP, we assist businesses with registrations, documentation and regulatory compliance required for setting up an EV charging station business in Delhi.
Planning to start an EV charging station business in Delhi? Get professional assistance with the applicable registrations and compliance requirements.
An EV charging station is not simply a matter of purchasing chargers and installing them at a convenient location. The premises, electricity connection, charging equipment, safety requirements and various applicable local permissions should be assessed before commencing operations.
Delhi has established a framework for expanding EV charging infrastructure, including mechanisms for electrical connections and installation of charging points.
Following the applicable requirements can help reduce operational issues and provide a proper foundation for running the charging business.
Step 1: Choose Business Structure
The first step is to choose a suitable and appropriate legal structure for the business.
Common options include: -
The appropriate and suitable structure depends on factors such as ownership, liability, investment, taxation and future expansion plans.
Step 2: Complete PAN, TAN & Basic Business Registration
Obtain PAN for the proprietor or business entity, as applicable, for taxation and business-related transactions.
If you establish an LLP or company, complete the applicable incorporation process and obtain the relevant incorporation documents.
TAN, Where Applicable
TAN is not required merely because you operate an EV charging station business. It becomes applicable where the business is required to deduct or collect tax at source (TDS/TCS) under the various applicable tax provisions.
Step 3: Select a Suitable Charging Station Premises
Choose a location where the proposed EV charging activity is permitted and where adequate electrical infrastructure can be provided.
The suitability of the premises should be assessed based on factors such as: -
If the charging station is proposed on public or third-party land, additional permission, lease, tender or concession arrangements may apply depending on the land-owning authority.
Delhi's EV charging framework includes both public and private/semi-public charging infrastructure.
Step 4: Obtain MCD/Local Authority Permissions, Where Applicable
Depending on the location, ownership and nature of the premises, applicable MCD or other local authority permissions may be required.
The exact requirements can differ where the charging station is located on private premises, commercial property, parking facilities or public land.
Therefore, the applicable local permissions should be identified before installation.
Step 5: Obtain Electricity Connection & Required Charging Load
An appropriate electricity connection and sanctioned load are important for operating an EV charging station.
Delhi's EV framework provides mechanisms through DISCOMs for obtaining electrical connections for EV charging and installing charging points. The Delhi EV charging infrastructure framework also provides a single-window approach for certain private and semi-public installations.
The required electrical load will depend on the number, type and capacity of chargers being installed.
The business should also ensure that the electrical installation complies with applicable electrical safety and DISCOM requirements.
Step 6: Comply with Delhi EV Policy & Charging Station Guidelines
The charging station should comply with the applicable Delhi EV Policy and charging-infrastructure guidelines.
Delhi's EV framework aims to facilitate the development of public, private and semi-public charging infrastructure across the city. It also provides mechanisms for the deployment of charging stations and charging points.
The applicable requirements should be assessed according to the type of charging facility and business model.
This is a regulatory framework and not a separate business licence.
Step 7: Install EV Charging Equipment with Applicable Technical Compliance
Select charging equipment appropriate for the intended vehicles, charging capacity and business model.
The charging equipment and installation should comply with the applicable technical, electrical and safety standards.
Delhi's charging infrastructure framework also provides for empanelled vendors and installation mechanisms for certain charging-point installations.
The charger type, capacity, number of charging points and electrical configuration should therefore be determined before finalising the installation.
Step 8: Fire Safety Compliance, Where Applicable
Fire-safety requirements should be assessed based on the premises, building, electrical installation and applicable fire-safety provisions.
A separate Fire Safety NOC or certificate may be required in applicable cases.
It should not, however, be assumed that every EV charging point automatically requires a separate Fire NOC.
Step 9: GST Registration, Where Applicable
GST Registration should be obtained where required under the applicable GST provisions.
The requirement depends on factors such as turnover, nature of supplies and other compulsory-registration provisions.
The charging business should assess GST applicability based on its actual business model and transactions.
Step 10: DPCC Compliance, Where Applicable
The applicability of Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) requirements should be assessed based on the activities carried out at the premises.
A standard EV charging station should not automatically be treated like a conventional polluting manufacturing unit. However, additional environmental requirements may arise if the business also undertakes activities involving batteries, waste, hazardous materials or other regulated operations.
Therefore, DPCC compliance should be assessed according to the actual activities of the facility.
Step 11: Labour Compliance, Where Applicable
If the charging station employs workers, the business should comply with applicable labour requirements.
Depending on the workforce and operations, this may include requirements relating to: -
Step 12: EPF & ESI, Where Applicable
EPF and ESI requirements depend on the establishment, employee strength and other applicable statutory conditions.
They are therefore where-applicable requirements and are not mandatory merely because you operate an EV charging station.
Step 13: Udyam Registration – Recommended for Eligible MSMEs
If the EV charging business qualifies as a Micro, Small or Medium Enterprise, it can consider Udyam Registration.
Udyam Registration is not mandatory merely because the business operates an EV charging station. However, eligible MSMEs may consider registration for applicable government benefits and schemes.
Step 14: Trademark Registration – Optional but Advisable
Trademark Registration is optional but highly advisable if the charging station operates under its own brand name, logo or service identity.
Registering the relevant trademark can help to protect the brand and reduce the risk of others using a similar mark for related services.
Step 15: IEC – Where Import/Export Activities Are Involved
If the business imports EV chargers, charging equipment or other goods for which IEC is required, an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) may be necessary.
IEC is not required merely because you operate an EV charging station. It becomes relevant where the business undertakes applicable import or export activities.
Additional approvals or compliances may apply depending on the location, ownership of the premises, charging model and activities carried out at the facility.
For example: -
These requirements should be assessed based on the actual business model rather than treated as mandatory for every EV charging station.
Documents Required
The documents required depend on the business structure, premises, charging equipment and applicable approvals.
Basic Documents
Business Registration Documents
Premises & Charging Station Documents
Other Documents
Depending on the applicable requirements, additional documents may include: -
A properly established EV charging station can help businesses: -
Delhi's official EV platform currently lists charging stations and battery-swapping stations across different parts of the city, reflecting the development of charging infrastructure in Delhi.
Estimated Timeline
The overall timeline depends on the type of registrations required, completeness of documentation and processing time taken by the respective government authorities.
Since different approvals are issued by separate departments, the time required may vary depending on the location, electrical requirements and nature of your EV charging station business.
Government Fees
Government fees vary depending on the applicable registration, licence category and regulations applicable at the time of application.
Professional fees depend on the scope of services required and the specific compliance requirements of your EV charging station business.
Starting an EV charging station involves coordinating business registration, premises requirements, electricity arrangements, applicable local permissions and regulatory compliance.
Remind Legal LLP can assist businesses with identifying applicable registrations, preparing documentation and completing the required compliance process for setting up an EV charging station business in Delhi.
Our Services Include: -
Planning to start an EV charging station business in Delhi? Get professional assistance with the applicable registrations and compliance requirements.