Kerala's EV owners grapple with charging challenges amid power cuts

Residents from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram have raised growing concerns about the reliability of the state's power supply, with electric vehicle owners particularly affected by frequent and unpredictable power cuts. While some EV owners report minimal impact thus far, others say disruptions to their charging routines are increasingly problematic for maintaining vehicle readiness.

The intermittent nature of the outages has created scheduling challenges for those dependent on home and commercial charging infrastructure. Vehicle owners express anxiety that sudden power interruptions could leave their cars insufficiently charged for essential daily commutes, compromising the practical advantages of vehicle ownership.

Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) sources have advised EV owners to adjust their charging patterns, recommending they utilize off-peak hours when power supply is more stable. This strategy aims to minimize disruption to charging routines while reducing strain on the grid during peak demand periods.

The situation highlights the interconnection between power infrastructure reliability and the broader adoption of electric vehicles in Kerala. As the state promotes EV usage for environmental benefits, maintaining consistent electricity supply has become critical to ensuring the practical viability of the technology for everyday users.