PM E-DRIVE Scheme: New Guidelines
The Centre recently unveiled operational guidelines for the rollout of nearly 72,300 public Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country, with an outlay of Rs 2,000 crore under the Rs 10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme.
- The PM E-DRIVE (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme is a flagship initiative launched in October 2024 with a financial outlay of Rs.10,900 crore.
- It came into effect from October 1, 2024, and will remain in force until March 31, 2026. Its primary aim is to accelerate the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), establish charging infrastructure, and build a robust EV manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
- It promotes mass mobility through the support of public transportation systems.
- The key objective is to speed up the transition to EVs by offering upfront incentives for EV purchases and encouraging the development of charging infrastructure.
- The scheme seeks to reduce transportation-related environmental impacts and improve air quality while also promoting an efficient and competitive EV manufacturing sector in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- This is to be accomplished through a Phased Manufacturing Program (PMP) designed to boost domestic manufacturing and strengthen the EV supply chain.
- The PM E-DRIVE scheme to be implemented through the following key components:
- Subsidies: Demand incentives to be provided for electric vehicles such as e-2 wheelers (e-2W), e-3 wheelers (e-3W), e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging categories of EVs.
- Grants for creation of capital assets: Funding to be provided for the acquisition of electric buses (e-buses), the establishment of a comprehensive network of charging stations, and the upgrading testing facilities of the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).
- To qualify for the PM E-DRIVE incentives, vehicles must be registered as “Motor Vehicles” under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) and equipped with advanced battery technology.
