Karnataka has opened its first-of-its-kind solar-powered EV charging station near Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL). Built by BESCOM with the help of the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), the station is supported by a 45 KW solar system and also has 100 KWH of second-life battery storage facility, making it functional 24/7.
“This mass-scale EV charging station, created under the collaboration of BESCOM, the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), is capable of charging 23 cars at a time,” Karnataka Energy Minister K J George said. The station consists of 23 charging stations—18 fast chargers and five slow chargers—within reach at a low cost.
George highlighted the sustainability of the station: “Solar power from daytime is stored in this battery system and supplied to electric vehicles day and night.” He added that the energy is being stored in recycled car batteries, highlighting the green nature of the project.
As the station is situated close to the airport, it is likely to be particularly useful for taxi operators. “It is a cause of joy that a new EV charging station has been installed near the Bengaluru airport for cab drivers and the general public who use electric vehicles,” stated Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. He emphasized that around 10,000 taxis move every day between the city and the airport, of which a large number are electric vehicles.
Today, Karnataka has 5,880 EV charging points, of which 4,462 fall in the Bengaluru Urban district. The energy department also said that approximately 140 new stations have already been established in 2025, indicating sustained investment in green infrastructure.