End-to-End guide on EV charging

Not every charger works the same way, and that difference shows up in speed, cost, and convenience. Choosing between AC and DC charging depends on how fast you need power and where you usually plug in. Understanding the basics makes it easier to charge smarter every day.

AC chargers

AC chargers supply alternating current from the grid that your electric vehicle must convert to direct current before it can charge the battery. This conversion happens inside the vehicle using the onboard charger, which limits power to typical levels between about 3.7 kW and 22 kW. As a result, AC charging is slower but cost-effective and widely available at homes, workplaces, malls, and parking areas, making it ideal for overnight or routine daily charging. AC charging is gentle on batteries and easier to install.

DC chargers

DC chargers deliver direct current straight to the battery, bypassing the vehicle’s internal converter. Power levels range from around 15 kW up to 350 kW or more, enabling rapid charging of 10 percent to 80 percent in roughly 20 to 60 minutes on compatible EVs. These fast chargers are best suited to public charging stations, highway rest stops, and commercial settings where quick replenishment is essential. DC charging is more expensive to install but significantly reduces downtime when time matters.

Learn how AC and DC charging work

Electric vehicle charging has several myths around speed, range, cost, and infrastructure. EV charging does not need to take hours every time you plug in. Modern fast charging technology can add a significant amount of range in a short period, reducing inconvenience and range anxiety for drivers.

1. Charging time is manageable – Fast chargers and rapid public stations can cut charging time to a short break rather than hours, making longer journeys practical.

2. Range is sufficient – Most EVs now routinely offer 300 km or more per charge, enough for daily travel and many longer routes.

3. Costs are lower – Electricity for EVs tends to cost far less per kilometer than petrol, improving affordability over time.

4. Infrastructure is expanding rapidly – Public charging points have grown sharply, with thousands being added every year in recent times.

Uncover the truth about EV charging

Your EV’s battery is its heart and also its most valuable part. How you charge, drive, and care for it today decides how well it performs years from now. A few simple habits can go a long way in keeping it healthy and dependable.

1. Optimal charge range - Keep the battery between about 20 and 80 percent most of the time. Avoid fully charging to 100 or completely draining to zero as this stresses the cells and speeds up degradation over years of use.

2. Choose Slow Charging - Use level 1 or level 2 charging at home instead of frequent fast charging. Rapid charging creates heat that accelerates wear on lithium-ion batteries.

3. Manage temperature - Park in shaded or covered areas and avoid exposing the vehicle to high heat or deep cold. Extreme temperatures make the battery management system work harder and can shorten lifespans.

4. Driving habits - Smooth acceleration and moderate speeds reduce strain on the battery and improve efficiency over time.

5. Stay updated - Install manufacturer updates and follow specific guidance from your EV’s manual for best battery performance and longevity.

These steps help protect the most expensive part of your EV and keep it reliable for many years.

Discover how to maximize your EV battery life today

As more people switch to electric vehicles, where they charge matters more than ever. Housing societies play a key role in making EV ownership easy, practical, and future-ready. Adding charging today helps communities stay modern, valuable, and environmentally responsible.

1. Easy everyday EV charging - Residents can plug in right where they live and not worry about hunting for public stations. This saves time and makes EV ownership truly convenient for everyone.

2. Boosts property appeal - Homes with charging infrastructure attract buyers and tenants who value modern, sustainable living. Studies show that properties with EV chargers command higher value and demand.

3. New income opportunity - Societies can set up a shared charger and charge a fair fee to users. This steady income can offset costs and even become a small revenue stream for the community.

4. Supports green living - EV charging at home reduces reliance on petrol and cuts local pollution levels. Cleaner air and quieter streets make society healthier and more enjoyable for children and adults.

5. Encourages EV adoption - Easy access to charging encourages residents to choose electric vehicles. This makes your society part of the larger push toward sustainable transport.

Installing EV chargers now future-proofs your community and sets a strong example for sustainable living.

Make your society EV-ready. Learn how

A good charging session is not just about plugging in and waiting. Small choices around timing, temperature, and charge levels can make charging faster, cheaper, and healthier for your battery. Getting these basics right helps you make the most of every charge.

1. Control heat exposure - Battery cells are sensitive to temperature. Charging when the battery is excessively hot or cold causes the system to limit power, slow down the session, and increase long-term wear. Moderate conditions allow for smoother energy flow.

2. Use an efficient state of charge (SOC) - Charging is most efficient when the battery sits between low and mid charge levels. As the battery approaches full capacity, charging naturally slows to protect the cells, making top-ups less time efficient.

3. Choose better timing - Plugging in during off-peak hours not only eases demand on the electrical grid but can cut costs if your utility offers lower night rates. Using smart charging tools lets you schedule sessions when the grid is less stressed.

4. Reduce grid stress - Coordinated charging that avoids peak electrical demand helps reduce pressure on the local grid infrastructure. Systems that shift EV charging to quieter periods make the overall energy system more stable and can improve charging efficiency for everyone.

India’s electric car market is growing fast, and charging time has become just as important as range or price. How long an EV takes to charge depends mainly on its battery size and the kind of charger it uses. For many owners, home charging is part of the routine, with most cars taking six to ten hours to fully charge overnight. The same car, however, can go from low to nearly full in under an hour on a DC fast charger.

For example, popular mid-size electric SUVs can take the night to charge on a regular home plug, but on a public fast charger they can be ready in about 50 to 60 minutes. Newer, high-end models with advanced charging systems can do the same in around 30 to 40 minutes. These differences shape how people plan commutes, weekend drives, and long journeys. Understanding charging time helps drivers avoid surprises and make electric driving simple.

Investing in an EV charging franchise is becoming a popular way to enter India’s fast-growing electric mobility space. It offers a mix of structured support, long-term potential, and a business model that grows as EV adoption rises across cities and highways.

1. Entry into a growing sector - An EV charging franchise lets you be part of a rapidly expanding ecosystem without building everything from scratch. You benefit from an established brand, technology, and operating framework.

2. Investment range - Setting up a public charging station usually needs an investment of around ₹1 to ₹2 crore. This covers chargers, electrical systems, approvals, and basic civil and site work.

3. Multiple revenue streams - Income comes from per-unit charging fees, partnerships with fleets, advertising space, and small on-site services. Good locations can generate steady monthly earnings.

4. Low operating complexity - These stations need very little manpower and have fewer moving parts than fuel stations. This keeps maintenance and daily operating costs relatively low.

Rapid EV adoption, rising by over sixty percent annually, is driving strong demand for charging infrastructure. Government support through schemes such as PM E-DRIVE and EV Mitra further improves viability by offering subsidies, tax benefits, and easier financing. A franchise model reduces complexity by clearly dividing responsibilities between the Charge Point Operator and the local partner.

Partnering with Tata Power EZ CHARGE strengthens this model through nationwide scale, turnkey execution, 24x7 monitoring, and long-standing brand trust, making the investment both future-ready and resilient.

Launch your EV charging franchise today!