In a significant move to promote electric mobility, the Indian government has launched the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Heavy Industry (MHI), is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country. One of the key features of the scheme is the introduction of E-vouchers, which will allow EV buyers to avail demand incentives, further encouraging the shift to green transport.
The government has also allocated ₹500 crore each for the sale of e-ambulances and e-trucks. The inclusion of e-ambulances aims to improve patient transport, while e-trucks are introduced to tackle pollution from traditional diesel trucks. To avail of subsidies for e-trucks, buyers must submit a scrapping certificate from approved vehicle scrapping centers, in line with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ (MoRTH) guidelines.
Another noteworthy aspect of the scheme is the allocation of ₹4,391 crore for the deployment of 14,028 e-buses in key cities. Initially, the government targets cities with populations exceeding 40 lakh, such as Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, among others. Special provisions will be made for areas like hilly regions, island territories, and coastal areas, potentially adopting non-OPEX models for these unique geographies.
Further bolstering EV infrastructure, the government has earmarked ₹2,000 crore for the establishment of public charging stations nationwide. This initiative aims to create a robust charging network, enabling seamless EV adoption across the country, with states like Andhra Pradesh also set to benefit from this expansion.
The PM E-DRIVE scheme represents a critical step in India’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and foster sustainable mobility. With its comprehensive approach, including incentives for e-vehicles and infrastructure development, this initiative is poised to significantly contribute to the country’s green mobility goals.
