05 May,2022 09:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Hemal Ashar
The EV charging station can also be used by non-members. Pic/Bipin Kokate
The National Sports Club of India (NSCI) has struck one for the green movement. The club has installed an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station on the premises. The station is in the parking lot of the Worli-Haji Ali club, a mammoth space that can fit at least 1,000 cars.
Viren Shah, the club's acting president, said, "We have started this station in line with the government's green push. EVs may be the mode for the future, and we are standing on the cusp of a green vehicle revolution. It is important to recognise that and keep pace with the changing times. We decided to install the station in sync with the environmentally aware, action-oriented philosophy of our times."
The station which is operational now, will also be available to non-members who want to charge their EVs. Said Shah, "This is located in the club's car park but is a public EV station. We may be the first club in south Mumbai at least, or may be in the city overall to start such an initiative. We will be upping security too, now that the club car park can be accessed by non-members' vehicles. This has just started so we have to work on certain scheduling and other aspects. I think it will be hugely beneficial to south Mumbai because these charging facilities are still few, especially in this part of town. Also, Haji Ali is a VVIP road, a nodal part that connects to various parts of the city, so the location too is ideal."
The EV station has two pods which means two cars can be charged at a time, "and compared to other chargers this is superfast. Usually, the battery will take five hours approximately for a full-charge. Here, it can be done in one hour," said Sanit Patel of Charge Zone, providers of the electric vehicle charging service. The cost is Rs 18 per kilowatt. The EV scenario is like the classic chicken ân' egg situation. Which came first? The chicken or the egg? In the same way, what comes first, charging stations or EVs? "That is precisely the question," said Patel. "We need to create infra, so then we will have cars. And we need to create cars, so then we will have the infra," explained Patel. Both Shah and Patel remind us that the civic authorities are stressing the need for more EV charging points so that people are encouraged to switch to EV vehicles and go green. Accessibility of vehicle battery charging amenities is a big driver of that change.
Shah added, "Earlier, Haji Ali was more about an area one would have to pass through to reach different destinations. While this is true today too, we also have a changing cityscape. There are several high-rise residential buildings in the Haji Ali vicinity, those who live in them can benefit with the charging station in proximity. We will spread awareness about the charging facility, maybe through a hoarding at the club gate, or some banners. Our members were also informed of the same and asked to spread the message. The car park lot is in the basement so it is not immediately visible, awareness is vital."
Though the club officials do not see this as a profit model, "We may earn some income from the charging but it will be towards added security, housekeeping, other club facilities," they stated. The concept of having a charging station may open a new chapter for clubs across the city. Many clubs have substantial car park facilities. But parking facilities at certain clubs are embroiled in controversy and other clubs are planning expanding parking amongst rising member numbers. Still, some can portion a space for EV charging facilities. Clubs may also want a with-it, environmentally conscious image, with EV stations being one part of their overall combat climate change efforts.
