India launches Unified Bharat e-Charge platform for interoperable EV charging across all networks
By Eve
Union Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy unveiled Unified Bharat e-Charge (UBC), a national platform enabling EV users to locate, book and pay across charging networks operated by BPCL, Indian Oil, HPCL, state agencies and private charge point operators through a single interface. Backed by the Government of India and supported by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the platform is built on open protocols by Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) and displays real time charger availability, ownership, power output and location. The announcement was made at the National Conference on Enabling Nationwide EV Charging Infrastructure under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme in Bengaluru.
Why it matters: The interoperable platform removes a major barrier to EV adoption by ending the need for multiple apps and accounts, potentially accelerating demand for charging infrastructure. CPOs and contractors must now ensure their systems integrate with UBC's open protocols to remain accessible to the national user base.