Best EV Charging Stations for Road Trips Starting from Chandigarh
Planning an electric vehicle (EV) road trip from Chandigarh? Whether you’re heading to Shimla, Delhi, or exploring the highways of North India, knowing where to find reliable, fast, and convenient EV charging stations is crucial for a smooth journey. This comprehensive guide covers the best EV charging stations in and around Chandigarh, how to plan your trip, what to expect at each stop, and tips to maximize your EV travel experience.
Why Road Trippers Choose Chandigarh as a Starting Point
- Gateway to the Himalayas: Direct routes to Shimla, Manali, and Himachal Pradesh.
- Strategic North India Hub: Well-connected highways to Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and Uttarakhand.
- Progressive EV Infrastructure: Chandigarh is a leader in clean mobility, offering a growing network of public charging stations, including fast chargers at key locations.
What Makes a Great EV Charging Station for Road Trips?
- Fast Charging Capability: DC fast chargers (30–60 minutes for 80% charge) ideal for long-distance travel.
- Strategic Location: Situated near highways, eateries, hotels, and rest areas for convenience.
- Network Reliability: Backed by reputed providers like Tata Power, Statiq, and Glida for consistent uptime.
- Vehicle Compatibility: Supports multiple EV brands and connector types (CCS2, CHAdeMO, Type 2).
- Amenities: Availability of food, restrooms, and safe parking while you charge.
Top EV Charging Stations in Chandigarh City
Chandigarh’s urban grid features a well-distributed network of EV charging stations, ideal for pre-road trip top-ups or last-mile charging upon return.
| Station Name & Location | Charger Type & Speed | Provider | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Power Charging Station, Sector 22 | DC Fast Charger (up to 50kW) | Tata Power | Food courts, restrooms, shopping nearby |
| BHEL Charging Station, Sector 17 | AC & DC Chargers | BHEL | Parking, cafes, government offices nearby |
| Pulse Energy, Sector 35 | DC Fast Charger (up to 60kW) | Pulse Energy | Restaurants, hotels, retail options |
| Statiq Charging Point, Elante Mall | DC Fast Charger (30–60kW) | Statiq | Mall shopping, dining, entertainment |
Best Highway EV Charging Stations Near Chandigarh
Chandigarh–Shimla Highway
- Hotel Falcon Crest (Kandaghat)
- Located 83 km from Chandigarh
- DC Fast Chargers by Tata Power
- Hotel amenities, food, restrooms
- Perfect for a scenic mid-way charge on the way to Shimla
- The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla
- DC Charging Station by Tata Power
- Luxury hotel with full amenities
- Ideal for overnight stays or exploring Shimla with a topped-up battery
Chandigarh–Delhi Highway (NH44)
- Savoy Greens, Karnal
- Statiq 60kW charger with 2 guns
- Food court, restrooms, safe parking
- Great midway stop for Delhi-bound trips
- McDonald’s, Gharauda (Near Karnal)
- Glida 160kW charger with 6 guns
- Fastest charging available on the route
- Eatery, restrooms, family-friendly
Chandigarh–Ambala–Yamunanagar & Beyond
- Statiq & Glida Chargers, Ambala Highway
- Multiple locations at dhabas, hotels, and malls
- Fast DC chargers (50–120kW)
- 24/7 access, CCTV security
Choosing the Right Charging Network
- Tata Power EZ Charge: Known for reliability, easy app-based payments, and widespread presence on major highways.
- Statiq: Fast-growing network with user-friendly app, dynamic pricing, and real-time availability tracking.
- Glida: Focused on ultra-fast charging and high traffic corridors, often found at large eateries and rest stops.
- Pulse Energy: Local provider with comprehensive coverage in Chandigarh city sectors.
How to Plan an EV Road Trip from Chandigarh
- Map Your Route: Use apps like Tata Power EZ Charge, Statiq, or multi-network planners to locate and reserve charging stations along your chosen route.
- Check Compatibility: Confirm that your EV supports the charger type (CCS2, CHAdeMO, etc.) at each stop.
- Plan Charging Intervals: For most EVs, plan a charging stop every 150–250 km, depending on your vehicle’s range and charger availability.
- Consider Amenities: Choose stations near food, restrooms, or scenic spots for a comfortable break during charging.
- Keep Backup Options: Identify alternate chargers in case your primary stop is busy or under maintenance.
Features to Look for in Highway EV Chargers
- High charging speed (preferably 50kW or higher)
- Multiple charge guns/connectors for simultaneous charging
- Real-time status updates via app or online dashboard
- Secure, well-lit locations with CCTV
- Integrated payment options (RFID, UPI, app-based)
Pros and Cons of Popular Charging Locations
| Charger Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Falcon Crest, Kandaghat | Scenic location, reliable fast charging, full amenities | May get busy during peak tourist season |
| Savoy Greens, Karnal | Multiple food options, safe parking, fast charging | Popular spot, queues possible on weekends |
| Elante Mall, Chandigarh | Shopping and dining while charging, central city access | Limited charging slots, mall hours restriction |
| Pulse Energy, Sector 35 | Quick city top-up, close to hotels and restaurants | Urban traffic may delay access |
Common Issues and Tips for EV Road Trips
- Check charger status before arrival—use apps for live updates.
- Carry backup charging cables and adapters for different networks.
- Arrive with at least 20% battery for flexibility in case of detours.
- Factor in terrain and weather—hilly routes may reduce range.
- Plan longer stops at destinations for a full recharge if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which are the fastest EV charging stations near Chandigarh for road trips?
McDonald’s Gharauda (Glida 160kW), Savoy Greens Karnal (Statiq 60kW), and Hotel Falcon Crest (Tata Power DC fast chargers) are among the fastest options for travelers on major highways.
Do I need to pre-book a charging slot on highway stations?
Pre-booking is recommended at popular stations, especially on weekends or during holiday seasons. Most major providers offer slot reservations via their mobile apps.
What amenities can I expect at highway EV charging stations?
Most top highway stations offer food courts, restrooms, secure parking, and sometimes relaxation lounges or hotels.
How do I pay for charging at these stations?
Payment options include UPI, credit/debit cards, RFID cards, and in-app payments, depending on the network.
Are these stations compatible with all EV brands?
Most major stations support common connectors like CCS2, Type 2, and CHAdeMO, making them compatible with leading EV brands in India.
What should I do if my preferred charging station is busy or offline?
Always have a backup charging stop planned. Use live status updates in provider apps to reroute to the nearest available station.
Key Takeaways
- Chandigarh is a top EV road trip starting point, supported by a robust, expanding charging network.
- Strategic highway charging stations like Hotel Falcon Crest, Savoy Greens Karnal, and McDonald’s Gharauda ensure seamless long-distance travel.
- Reliable providers—Tata Power, Statiq, Glida, and Pulse Energy—offer fast, convenient charging with modern amenities.
- Smart trip planning, use of live-status apps, and considering backup stops are essential for stress-free EV journeys.
- With the right prep and knowledge, EV owners can confidently explore North India’s highways from Chandigarh and beyond.
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