Targeting range anxiety and costs, the government is set to finalise guidelines for 72,000 EV chargers nationwide under the PM E-Drive scheme, ensuring broad public-sector participation.
The Indian government is finalising operational guidelines for setting up a large-scale public electric vehicle (EV) charging network under the ₹109 billion PM E-Drive scheme. The plan aims to reduce upfront installation costs through aggregated demand from central and state agencies.
According to a Mint report, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) will oversee the installation of over 72,000 chargers across the country. Demand aggregation is being coordinated by bodies including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Indian Railways, and state governments.
The report cited a source saying that the guidelines are in the final stage, noting that EV charging infrastructure is a major component of the scheme, which has been extended until FY28.
The process will map land and power requirements and determine the number and locations of charging stations required by various stakeholders.
Under the guidelines, states will appoint nodal agencies to work with urban local bodies, state PSUs, municipal corporations, electricity distribution companies, and other public departments to assess needs. Similarly, central ministries will coordinate with their PSUs and affiliated organisations to identify optimal locations.
NHAI will focus on installing chargers along highways to address “range anxiety” on long-distance routes. Indian Railways will assess requirements at railway stations, while AAI will do the same for airports. Some states are planning to add EV chargers to existing and upcoming bus depots and stations.
The draft guidelines, published in December 2024, emphasise that a well-planned charging infrastructure is critical for accelerating EV adoption. The NITI Aayog’s India Electric Mobility Index 2024 found that Haryana and Karnataka currently lead in charging readiness.
Experts believe the coordinated demand approach will streamline deployment, reduce costs, and ensure nationwide coverage, helping India address infrastructure gaps that have so far hindered mass EV adoption.
