Modhera in Gujarat, recognised as India’s first 24x7 solar-powered village, is extending its clean-energy programme to transport. Residents are adopting electric vehicles as solar-powered charging infrastructure links renewable electricity with daily travel and small business activities.

The initiative, known as Solar Village Modhera 2.0, combines energy generation, storage and mobility infrastructure. It includes a 6 MW solar power plant and a 15 MWh Battery Energy Storage System, enabling the village to use renewable power beyond household electricity consumption.

An electric vehicle charging station has been installed near the Sun Temple. Dilip Kumar, deputy engineer at Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam, said the station draws electricity from the ground-mounted solar plant and allows residents to charge vehicles using solar-generated power, reducing their spending on petrol and diesel while lowering carbon emissions.

Electric two-wheelers are becoming increasingly relevant for residents who rely on scooters and bikes for commuting, daily errands and small businesses. Resident Bharatbhai Suthar said solar-powered mobility was helping reduce fuel dependence and travel costs, allowing people to cover several kilometres and conduct routine activities more affordably.

Solar power is also meeting household needs in Modhera. Residents use the electricity to operate televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, household flour mills and washing machines. Resident Khushi Bharatbhai Patel said the system had enabled households to run a wide range of appliances and benefit from cleaner electricity.

The village’s project connects solar generation, battery storage and electric vehicle charging into a single local energy system. The integration is intended to reduce fuel expenses and emissions while demonstrating how renewable energy can support both domestic consumption and transportation in rural communities.