Government commits ₹10,900 crore for sustainable transportation and nationwide EV charging infrastructure.
In a historic step toward clean and sustainable transportation, the Indian government officially launched the PM E-DRIVE Scheme at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a transformative moment in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, aims to boost EV adoption and establish a robust charging infrastructure across the nation, setting the stage for a greener future.
The launch, held on the eve of Mahatma Gandhi’s 155th birth anniversary, was inaugurated by Union Minister of Heavy Industries & Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, alongside Minister of State, Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma. The PM E-DRIVE Scheme has been allocated ₹10,900 crore over two years, focusing on creating a cleaner and more efficient transportation ecosystem.
Driving India’s EV Revolution
“Today is a landmark day in India’s journey towards sustainable mobility. We are not just contributing to ‘Swachh Bharat’ but also to ‘Swachh Vahan’, as we transition from the FAME Scheme to PM E-DRIVE,” said Minister Kumaraswamy at the event. He emphasized that this initiative fulfills the government’s promise of launching the scheme within 100 days and reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to clean energy.
Minister Varma echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of the scheme in realizing India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. “The PM E-DRIVE Scheme will fast-track the adoption of EVs and provide essential charging infrastructure, which is crucial to ensuring a sustainable future,” he said.
Key Components of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme
- Demand Incentives & Subsidies: ₹3,679 crore will be allocated to support the purchase of e-vehicles, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, trucks, and emerging EV technologies.
- E-Voucher System: EV customers can now avail demand incentives via Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers, streamlining the incentive process for consumers and dealers alike.
- Public Charging Infrastructure: ₹2,000 crore has been set aside for the installation of over 70,000 fast chargers nationwide, covering major cities and highways.
- E-Buses and E-Trucks: The government will spend ₹4,391 crore for the procurement of e-buses and ₹500 crore for incentivizing e-trucks, prioritizing vehicles that replace scrapped state transport buses.
Collaborative Push for Electric Mobility
The Secretary of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Kamran Rizvi, applauded the automotive industry for its efforts to advance EV technology and urged manufacturers to contribute to the scheme’s success. He called on Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to come forward and help build India’s EV future.
As India accelerates its electric mobility efforts, the PM E-DRIVE Scheme stands as a major milestone in the nation’s commitment to cleaner transportation and a sustainable future.
