India is moving faster towards electric vehicles with the new PM E-DRIVE scheme. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has set guidelines to roll out public EV charging stations under the ₹10,900-crore initiative.
The government has set aside ₹2,000 crore to build chargers across cities and highways. To encourage quick setup, some locations can get 100% subsidy. For example, government offices, hospitals, schools, and CPSEs get full support for infrastructure and chargers. Meanwhile, airports, railway stations, metro stations, bus depots, and fuel outlets receive 80% subsidy on infrastructure and 70% on chargers. Even malls and private sites can claim 80% subsidy for infrastructure. Battery swapping stations also qualify for support.
The scheme prioritises million-plus cities, state capitals, smart cities, NCAP cities, and busy highways linking industrial hubs and ports. Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) will implement the project and develop a National Unified Hub with a mobile app for charger discovery, real-time updates, slot booking, and payments. IFCI will coordinate the project.
Charging standards include up to 12 kW for two- and three-wheelers and 50–500 kW for cars, buses, and trucks. The government will release subsidies in two stages — 70% at purchase and 30% after installation. This scheme aims to solve charging shortages and accelerate India’s green mobility goals.
