To promote clean energy and reduce operational costs, the Himachal Pradesh Transport Department has inaugurated a solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging station at its Directorate in Shimla. The initiative is part of the state government’s larger plan to make Himachal Pradesh a green energy state by 31 March 2026.
Under the pilot project, a 15-kilowatt solar plant has been installed to charge the department’s EV fleet, eliminating electricity expenses. Surplus power is stored in batteries through a 70-kilowatt inverter for use when solar generation is low.
Earlier reserved for official vehicles, the charging station is now open to the public at Rs 16 per unit, encouraging wider adoption of electric mobility. The Transport Department operates 18 electric vehicles, replacing older petrol and diesel models, while all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have integrated EVs for official purposes.
Himachal Pradesh currently has over 5,300 registered electric vehicles, with charging points at 30 petrol pumps, 52 hotels, and along six green corridors. The Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) is also expanding its electric fleet with 297 new e-buses expected to start operations from April, adding to the current 120 e-buses.
Officials said the success of the solar-powered pilot at the Transport Directorate could pave the way for larger solar plants and in-house EV charging systems across the state, cutting carbon emissions and generating significant annual savings.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
