If you drive an EV in India, the network you pick matters because it decides where you can charge, which app you use, what connectors fit your car and how much you pay. Public DC fast charging usually runs about Rs 18 to 25 per unit, far above the Rs 6 to 10 you’d pay charging at home, so picking well saves real money.
Key takeaways
- Public DC fast charging typically costs around Rs 18 to 25 per unit, while home charging is roughly Rs 6 to 10 per unit.
- Tata Power EZ Charge, Statiq, Ather Grid and ChargeZone are among the largest public networks I see across Indian cities and highways.
- Ather Grid offers free charging for Ather owners on some of its chargers, which is a real perk if you ride an Ather.
- Statiq runs one of the larger charger networks, and ChargeZone is a leading fast-charge operator focused on DC stations.
- Station counts move every month as operators add hardware, so treat every number here as an approximation as of 2026.
Which EV charging networks matter most in India?
The four I’d watch first are Tata Power EZ Charge, Statiq, Ather Grid and ChargeZone, plus a long tail of smaller players. Each leans a different way: Tata Power spreads across cities and highways, Statiq focuses on affordable everyday charging with a wide network, Ather Grid is built around two-wheeler riders, and ChargeZone goes deep on high-power DC fast charging for cars.
How much does public charging actually cost?
Plan for roughly Rs 18 to 25 per unit on DC fast chargers, though tariffs vary by city, operator and time of day. That’s two to three times what charging at home costs, so I treat fast charging as a top-up for travel rather than my main source of energy. If you want to see how that translates to running cost, our cost per km benchmark breaks it down.
How do the networks compare?
Here’s a side-by-side view. Station counts are approximate as of 2026 and change often, so use them as a rough guide, not a fixed figure.
| Network | Focus | Charger type | App | Pricing notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Power EZ Charge | Cities and highways | AC and DC | Tata Power EZ Charge | Pay per unit, varies by site |
| Statiq | Affordable daily charging, wide network | AC and DC | Statiq | Competitive per-unit rates |
| Ather Grid | Two-wheeler riders | Mostly AC/DC for scooters | Ather | Free on some chargers for Ather owners |
| ChargeZone | Highway DC fast charging | High-power DC | ChargeZone | Premium DC fast-charge pricing |
Connector support matters too. Most four-wheelers use CCS2 for DC fast charging, while many Ather chargers are tuned for two-wheelers, so always confirm the plug before you rely on a station.
Methodology
The figures here are sourced approximations gathered from operator sites and industry trackers. EV charging in India is growing fast, so station counts, per-unit tariffs and connector mixes change month to month. I’ve avoided quoting exact station totals because they go stale quickly. Check the network’s own app or site for the latest before a trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the cheapest EV charging network in India?
There’s no single winner because tariffs shift by city and time. Statiq is positioned around affordable daily charging, and Ather Grid is effectively free on some chargers for Ather owners. For cars, compare per-unit rates in each app near you.
Do I need separate apps for each network?
Mostly yes. Each network runs its own app for finding stations, starting sessions and paying. I keep two or three installed so I’m not stuck if one station is busy or offline.
Is public fast charging worth it over home charging?
For daily driving, home charging at Rs 6 to 10 per unit wins easily. Public DC fast charging at Rs 18 to 25 per unit is best kept for highway trips and quick top-ups when you can’t charge at home.
Will these station counts stay accurate?
No. Operators add chargers constantly, so any number here is a snapshot. Always confirm live availability in the network’s app.
Sources
Last updated: 23 June 2026.
