Bengaluru: Karnataka has launched a 24/7 electric vehicle (EV) charging station near Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL), supported by solar power and second-life car batteries.
The move is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable urban mobility through renewable energy and circular battery usage.
The station, developed by Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) in collaboration with Germany’s GIZ (German Corporation for International Cooperation), integrates a 45 kW solar power system with a 100 kWh battery storage unit composed of repurposed electric car batteries.
During the day, solar energy is stored in these batteries and used to charge vehicles round the clock. The facility has 23 EV charging points, 18 fast chargers and five slow chargers aimed at meeting high traffic demand near the airport corridor.
Energy Minister K J George said the use of second-life batteries improves energy efficiency and contributes to a circular economy model. “This station is powered by energy stored in used EV batteries, enhancing sustainability in charging infrastructure,” George said during the inauguration.
Targeting airport traffic and cab operations
According to state officials, around 10,000 cabs run between the airport and Bengaluru city daily, and a significant number are electric vehicles.
Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda noted the hub’s strategic location benefits cab operators and commuters who rely on EVs for regular transit.
Karnataka’s EV charging infrastructure grows
As of now, Karnataka has a total of 5,880 public EV charging stations, with Bengaluru Urban district alone accounting for 4,462 of them. The energy department reported that 140 new stations have been added in 2025 so far.
This development reflects a growing shift in urban infrastructure planning, where renewable energy and sustainable battery practices are gradually replacing conventional energy sources.
By incorporating used EV batteries into the grid, the state is exploring long-term storage solutions while reducing waste from discarded battery units.
