Power (DISCOM)
CESC
Licence
Not required (de-licensed)
West Bengal road tax
100% exempt (5 years) — window ends around March 2026
Planning to set up an EV charging station?
Tell us your location and plans — our team will get in touch to help you take the next step, from site and cost to subsidies and partners.
Chat on WhatsAppSetting up an EV charging station in Kolkata
Kolkata is one of West Bengal's key EV markets, and public charging is an open, de-licensed business — anyone can set one up. The essentials are the same as anywhere in India: a high-footfall site, a commercial power connection with a separate EV tariff from CESC, government-approved chargers, and compliance with the Ministry of Power guidelines. What varies locally is the West Bengal subsidy, the DISCOM connection process and your land/rent. Our full guide to starting a charging station business covers the rules and steps in detail.
West Bengal subsidy & incentives for Kolkata
West Bengal provides purchase support and a 100% road-tax exemption for 5 years, though the current window is set to end around March 2026. On top of this, central PM E-DRIVE support can cover a large share of the upstream infrastructure for eligible sites. See the full West Bengal EV subsidy details and the charging station subsidy guide for what you can claim.
Cost & returns in Kolkata
Setup cost in Kolkata is broadly ₹2–12 lakh for a small AC station and ₹15–25 lakh for a mid-size DC station before subsidies — the final figure depends on your CESC sanctioned load, land and civil work. Model your own numbers with the EV charging station ROI calculator, see the full setup cost breakdown, and read whether the business is profitable. Prefer a partner? Compare franchise & dealership options.
Kolkata EV charging station — FAQs
How do I start an EV charging station in Kolkata?+
To set up an EV charging station in Kolkata, choose a high-footfall site, apply to CESC for a commercial power connection with a separate EV tariff, install government-approved chargers, and follow the Ministry of Power guidelines. No electricity licence is needed. Our team can help you plan the site, cost and subsidies for your Kolkata location.
Do I need a licence to open a charging station in Kolkata?+
No. Public EV charging is a de-licensed activity across India, including Kolkata. You do not need an electricity licence — you only need a commercial power connection from CESC, approved equipment and standard safety/fire clearances for larger sites.
What subsidy is available for a charging station in Kolkata?+
Kolkata is in West Bengal, so West Bengal provides purchase support and a 100% road-tax exemption for 5 years, though the current window is set to end around March 2026. Central PM E-DRIVE support can also cover a large share of the upstream infrastructure for eligible sites. Verify the current terms with the West Bengal nodal agency before investing.
How much does it cost to set up a charging station in Kolkata?+
Costs are similar across India: roughly ₹2–12 lakh for a small AC station and ₹15–25 lakh for a mid-size DC station, before subsidies. In Kolkata, your final cost depends on the CESC connection load, land/rent and civil work. Use our ROI calculator to model your Kolkata site.
Charging station setup in other cities
Indicative information only, current for 2026. State subsidy windows and DISCOM processes change — verify with the West Bengal nodal agency and CESC before committing capital.