Karwar: With increased awareness on the adverse effects of pollution and rising prices of fuels, the demand for eco-friendly electric vehicles in Uttara Kannada district has been increasing. To facilitate these vehicles, there are plans to set up 10 charging stations in the district.

Hubballi Electric Supply Company Ltd (Hescom) main office has written a letter to its divisional office to identify land for setting up the Electric Vehicles Charging Station (EVCS). As per plan, five EVCS will be established in Karwar division and another five in Sirsi division.

Land identification

“We have already been directed by our Hubballi office to search for suitable land to set up the charging stations. Accordingly, we have asked the officials to look out for the land. As much as 1,000 sq feet land is needed to set up one charging station. These stations will have six charging points. Preference would be given for lands which are near to the main roads for the convenience of the people,” informed Hescom Divisional Officer Roshni Pednekar.

She said that it would take some time for establishing these stations as no other directions with regard to this has been received from the main office.

8 showrooms in dist

Presently, there are as many as eight showrooms selling electric vehicles in Uttara Kannada district. These showrooms have been opened recently by Nisarga E-Bikes company and till now, they have sold 50 bikes. As per representatives of Nisarga E-bikes, it would be good if 10 charging centres are set up in coastal region in the district itself. Many customers do not prefer to buy these bikes as there are no charging stations.