New Delhi – The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has unveiled the ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme,’ marking a pivotal step in India’s commitment to sustainable and green mobility. With an ambitious outlay of ₹10,900 crore over two years, this initiative is set to transform the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in the country.
Key Features of PM E-DRIVE Scheme
The scheme subsumes the earlier Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 and introduces groundbreaking measures to promote EV adoption, including:
- E-Vouchers for EV Buyers: Simplifying incentives through e-vouchers, available via the PM E-DRIVE app and portal, to facilitate demand-side support for individuals and businesses.
- Special Allocation for E-Ambulances and E-Trucks: With ₹500 crore each earmarked, e-ambulances promise a smoother and eco-friendly patient transport experience, while subsidies for e-trucks aim to reduce emissions from one of the most polluting vehicle categories.
- Mandatory Scrapping Certificates: To promote sustainability, buyers of subsidized e-trucks must provide scrapping certificates issued by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)-approved centers.
- Upgrading Testing Infrastructure: A robust allocation of ₹780 crore ensures modernization of vehicle testing agencies, essential for advancing EV standards.
Budget Breakdown and Objectives
The scheme comprises three core components:
- Demand Incentives (₹3,679 crore): Supporting e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, and e-trucks.
- Capital Asset Creation (₹7,171 crore): Establishing EV charging networks, deploying e-buses, and upgrading testing facilities.
- Administrative Costs (₹50 crore): Covering public awareness campaigns and project management fees.
Driving EV Adoption: Promising Growth Numbers
The impact of PM E-DRIVE is evident. Between April and November 2024, EV registrations surged by 25.64% compared to the same period in the previous year:
- FY 2023-24 (April–Nov): 10,39,408 EVs
- FY 2024-25 (April–Nov): 13,05,926 EVs
Vision and Targets
The scheme aims to facilitate:
- Deployment of 14,028 e-Buses, 2,05,392 e-3 Wheelers, and 24,79,120 e-2 Wheelers by March 2026.
- Establishment of public EV charging stations across the nation.
- A robust push for local manufacturing under the Phased Manufacturing Programme, boosting MSMEs and aligning with the government’s Make in India initiative.
A Green Future Ahead
The PM E-DRIVE scheme is not just a policy but a transformative movement to position India as a global hub for electric mobility. By addressing environmental challenges and fostering innovation, the initiative underscores the government’s resolve toward a cleaner, greener future.
As Minister Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma aptly stated in his Lok Sabha address, “PM E-DRIVE is a testament to India’s commitment to environmental sustainability and technological innovation. It is our leap forward toward an electrified tomorrow.”
