Targeting faster EV adoption, the government unveils ₹20 billion plan under PM E-Drive to expand charging across cities and highways.
The government has unveiled a ₹20 billion plan under the ₹109 billion PM E-DRIVE scheme to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across India. Deployment will be prioritised in cities with over one million population, state capitals, smart cities, and National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities, alongside highways connecting major industrial hubs and ports.
According to operational guidelines issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), subsidies of up to 100% will be provided for certain categories to speed up deployment. Government offices, hospitals, educational institutions and CPSE premises will receive full subsidy on both infrastructure and chargers. Airports, railway stations, metro stations, fuel outlets of state-run OMCs and bus depots are eligible for 80% subsidy on infrastructure and 70% on charging equipment. Private spaces such as malls and markets will also receive 80% subsidy on infra costs. Battery swapping and charging stations are included in the plan.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has been designated as the Project Implementation Agency, while IFCI will serve as the Project Management Agency. BHEL will also develop a National Unified Hub and mobile app to integrate EV chargers, enabling users to locate stations, check availability, book slots and make payments.
Subsidies will be disbursed in two stages i.e. 70% at procurement and 30% after commissioning and integration with the Unified Hub. Charging standards have been finalised at up to 12 kW for two- and three-wheelers, and 50 kW to 500 kW fast chargers for cars, buses and trucks.
