Tamil Nadu · TNPDCL

    EV Charging in Tamil Nadu — Frequently Asked Questions

    Tamil Nadu is India's largest EV manufacturing hub and has the second-largest public charging network. Distribution is a single utility — TNPDCL — with tariff set by TNERC. The state's 2023 EV Policy offers some of India's most generous SGST reimbursements for charging infrastructure.

    TNPDCL (through the local TNEB circle) sanctions the service connection; TNERC sets the tariff; and CEIG Tamil Nadu certifies safety for installations above 250V. All applications route through the TNEB self-service portal.
    For a standard public station: 5–7 days for online application and load acceptance, 10–15 days for feasibility and estimate, 15–25 days for civil and cable work at the applicant's cost, 7–10 days for CEIG inspection, and 5–7 days for meter energisation. Plan for 45–60 working days end to end.
    TNERC has notified a dedicated LT tariff (Tariff V-A) for EV charging: approximately ₹6.00–7.00 per kWh flat, with no demand charge for loads up to 112 kW. HT-connected MegaHubs pay ₹5.50–6.50 per kWh plus demand charge. Confirm against the latest TNERC order before final quoting.
    DC fast charging in Chennai is typically ₹16–22 per kWh; AC destination charging ₹9–14 per kWh. Coimbatore trends about ₹1–2 lower on DC because of lower land costs. Off-peak sessions (11pm–6am) can be up to 25% cheaper on PixellEnergy.
    100% SGST reimbursement on all charging equipment sold and installed in Tamil Nadu for 5 years, 25% capital subsidy (up to ₹10 lakh) for the first 50 public fast chargers in each of Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Trichy and Salem, and electricity duty exemption on power drawn for charging until 2027.
    Yes. Under PM E-DRIVE + TN policy stacking, 400 kW hubs on GQ (NH 44, NH 48), Chennai–Trichy, Chennai–Coimbatore and ECR/OMR can receive up to 80% capital subsidy. TNIDB provides single-window land allotment for state-highway sites.
    Aadhaar/PAN, GST certificate, patta/lease with owner NOC, site layout, single-line diagram, licensed 'B'-grade contractor certificate, and — for stations above 25 kW — CEIG safety inspection report. Applications above 112 kW additionally need CMD approval from the circle SE.
    Fire NOC from Tamil Nadu Fire & Rescue Services is required for indoor stations above 100 kW, all basement installations, and any station co-located within a fuel retail outlet. Outdoor forecourt installations below 100 kW need only a self-declaration.
    A Mini Hub (2×60 kW DC + 4 AC) is ₹14–20 lakh turnkey depending on Chennai vs tier-2. Because Tamil Nadu offers 100% SGST reimbursement, the effective hardware cost is 18% lower than in most other states, improving payback to 22–28 months.
    Yes. We already operate at OMR/ECR tech parks and along the Chennai–Bengaluru and Chennai–Trichy corridors. Restaurant and dhaba operators are eligible for the same 25% state subsidy if their site is on a notified highway.
    Yes. TNPDCL permits dedicated sub-meters for EV charging in gated communities under the domestic-EV rider. PixellEnergy handles association NOC, dedicated 16A/32A cable run, MCB-protected wallbox and TNPDCL meter application. All-in cost ₹35,000–70,000.
    Yes. TN Solar Energy Policy allows net metering up to 10 kW residential; combine with the central PM Surya Ghar ₹78,000 subsidy for a 3 kW system. A 5 kW rooftop typically covers 60% of a 40 km/day EV's energy needs in Chennai.

    PixellEnergy in Tamil Nadu

    Explore city-specific EV charging pages:

    Chennai Coimbatore
    View FAQs for other South India states