Telangana has unveiled a 150kW ethanol-based EV charging system, marking a significant step toward expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The technology generates electricity from ethanol and uses it to power EV chargers, eliminating the need for continuous dependence on the conventional electricity grid. It is being described as the world's first ethanol-powered EV charging solution.
The integrated system combines a 150kW fast EV charger with an ethanol-based power generation unit. This enables charging stations to operate even in locations where grid connectivity is limited or unavailable, making it suitable for highways and remote areas.
During the launch of Keto Motors' 9-metre electric commercial bus, Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy said the company has developed equipment that allows electric vehicles to be charged using electricity generated from ethanol instead of traditional grid power. According to him, the technology brings together electric mobility and India rapidly expanding ethanol ecosystem, supporting the country's clean energy transition.
Currently, installing fast EV charging stations requires high-capacity power connections, transmission infrastructure, and multiple regulatory approvals, often delaying deployment. The ethanol-based solution addresses these challenges by generating electricity on-site, reducing dependence on grid infrastructure.
The company claims the charging unit can be commissioned within 72 hours, significantly faster than conventional charging stations. It also estimates that the technology can reduce installation costs and setup time by up to 50%.
In many remote charging locations, diesel generators are still used due to unreliable electricity supply. The company says its ethanol-powered system can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to diesel generators. If deployed at scale, the technology could play a key role in expanding EV charging networks across highways, fleet depots, and regions with limited power infrastructure.