CEB plans solar-powered EV charging stations with incentive tariffs

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is set to introduce a new project to install Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations that will utilize excess solar energy generated across the country, while offering fast-charging facilities with an incentive tariff, CEB Deputy General Manager (Business & Operational Strategy) Noel Priyantha said.  

Speaking to the media, Priyantha explained that solar systems installed nationwide are producing extra energy, which will now be redirected to the transport sector.  

“The government has instructed the CEB to implement this service within two months, and the relevant tariff system is currently being finalized,” he said.  

Priyantha highlighted the challenge of managing EV demand: “Consumers have been ahead of the CEB in adopting green concepts, buying electric vehicles even without funding or proper schemes. Importing a large number of EVs could create a major strain on the national grid, especially since most vehicles are currently charged at night when energy supply is limited.”  

He added that the grid has sufficient energy during the daytime, but nighttime demand is constrained. “That is why the CEB is introducing battery systems to store electricity generated during the day for use at night. Alternatively, we plan to encourage EV users to charge during the day by offering lower tariff rates,” Priyantha said.  

The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to integrate renewable energy into the transport sector while managing grid stability as electric vehicle adoption grows.