At a high-profile launch event held at ANERT Headquarters, Thiruvananthapuram, the Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT), under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and the Government of Kerala, unveiled a number of innovative electric mobility initiatives in a historic step towards speeding up the adoption of electric mobility. The Honourable Minister of Electricity, Sri K. Krishnan Kutty, presided over the ceremony.
The first successful Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology demonstration in India was one of the most important announcements. This innovative project was carried out in collaboration with the India Smart Grid Forum (ISGF) and received technical assistance from the University of Delaware. The project turns EVs into mobile energy storage devices that can assist in balancing grid demand by enabling bidirectional energy flow between electric vehicles and the power grid through the usage of modified Tata Nexon EVs (Tata Motors).
“Kerala is setting the standard for the clean transport revolution. This V2G project establishes a national standard for the active participation of EVs in energy management.”
– Reji Kumar Pillai, ISGF President.
ANERT formally introduced Kerala’s first universal EV charging application, EZ4EV, further strengthening the e-mobility ecosystem. With features like travel planning, tariff-based billing, real-time charger availability, and access to 18 public charging stations throughout the state—all without third-party service fees—the software, which was developed fully in-house, offers a flawless user experience.
Kerala also unveiled its first EV customer lounge at the ANERT headquarters to enhance comfort at charging stations. EV users will find the facility more convenient during charging downtime because it has air conditioning, snacks, news access, Wi-Fi, and restrooms.
The state also unveiled Kerala’s first grid-interactive, solar-powered Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) with a 100 kW/150 kWh capacity, even if the focus was still on electric vehicles. The system is intended to combine intelligent energy management systems (EMS and BMS), replace diesel gensets, and supply continuous solar power.
These initiatives, which were carried out under the direction of K.R. Jyothilal IAS, ACS Finance, and Puneet Kumar IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Department, support Kerala’s long-term goal of creating a green, digitally linked transportation and energy infrastructure.
Kerala has established itself as a national leader in electric mobility innovation with this launch, offering consumer-focused infrastructure and digital tools for a smooth EV experience in addition to clean energy solutions.
