Across Kerala, from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram, electric vehicle owners are watching power grids with growing unease. Unpredictable outages are slicing through charging routines, leaving drivers uncertain if their cars will be ready when morning comes.

Key facts:

  • Power cuts disrupt overnight charging, often requiring manual reconnection
  • KSEB advises charging during off-peak morning hours
  • 200 new charging stations planned with solar-hour discounts
  • Some users report minimal impact while others face daily anxiety

The Human Toll of Unpredictable Power

Dr. Harindran N. from Vennala describes the frustration that echoes through many households. "On most occasions, the charging process is cut short when a power outage occurs," he says. The real problem lies in the unpredictability—outages don't follow schedules, and sleeping families can't manually restart chargers when power returns.

"Knowing the timing of outages in advance would be helpful," says Dr. Harindran, capturing the simple plea of countless EV owners.

The Practical Dilemma

While KSEB officials encourage morning charging to reduce grid strain, businesswoman Parvathy Nair highlights the impracticality for many. "We use our vehicle in the morning for deliveries. We never get a break to charge it then, so nighttime is our only option." Her words underscore the gap between official recommendations and real-world needs.

Battery Health Concerns Emerge

Beyond immediate inconvenience, music director Finny Kurian raises a longer-term worry: "Frequent interruptions during charging could harm battery health. Each disruption could result in a cycle being completed, thereby affecting battery life." This technical concern adds financial stakes to the daily frustration.

Looking for Solutions

KSEB sources acknowledge that charging patterns haven't significantly shifted despite the crisis, noting "a lack of awareness among the public." But hope arrives with plans for 200 new charging stations offering lower tariffs during solar hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), potentially creating incentives for behavior change.