The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme to promote electric mobility in India. The scheme, with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over two years, aims to expedite EV adoption, improve air quality, and reduce the environmental impact of transportation.
Key Features
Subsidies and Incentives: Rs. 3,679 crore allocated for subsidies to incentivize e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and e-buses, supporting over 28 lakh electric vehicles.
E-Voucher System: Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers will be generated for buyers, which will be signed and submitted to dealers, enabling OEMs to claim reimbursements.
E-Ambulances: Rs. 500 crore dedicated to the introduction of e-ambulances, ensuring safer, more comfortable patient transport with new safety standards.
Public Transport Electrification
E-Bus Procurement: Rs. 4,391 crore has been allocated to procure 14,028 e-buses for nine cities with populations exceeding 4 million and for intercity routes, promoting cleaner mass mobility.
Charging Infrastructure
EV Charging Stations: Rs. 2,000 crore allocated for installing 72,300 fast chargers across cities and highways, addressing range anxiety among EV users.
Manufacturing and Employment
Domestic EV Manufacturing: The scheme promotes domestic manufacturing through the phased manufacturing programme (PMP), encouraging a resilient EV supply chain and creating employment across the value chain.
Environmental and Economic Impact
The PM E-DRIVE scheme is a pivotal step towards reducing pollution, securing fuel resources, and fostering sustainable transportation solutions aligned with India’s net-zero 2070 target. The initiative will attract investments, boost the EV ecosystem, and enhance India’s leadership in global clean mobility.