MHI Issues Guidelines for EV Public Charging Stations Under PM E-DRIVE Scheme

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) released operational guidelines for the rollout of Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations (EV PCS) under the PM E-DRIVE scheme. The plan includes subsidy support, eligibility norms and implementation processes.

The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, approved with a budget of Rs 10,900 crore, aims to speed up electric vehicle adoption in India. Out of this, Rs 2,000 crore is earmarked for developing public charging infrastructure across cities and highways.

Government ministries, Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), and State/UT governments can submit proposals to set up charging stations. They may directly operate the facilities or appoint Charge Point Operators (CPOs). Agencies such as oil marketing companies, NHAI, AAI, metro corporations and state utilities are also eligible.

Battery Swapping Stations (BSS) and Battery Charging Stations (BCS) are also eligible for support, limited to upstream infrastructure, as per MoP guidelines issued in January 2025.

Subsidy Structure

• Category A (Govt premises): 100% subsidy on infrastructure and equipment
• Category B (airports, metro stations, OMC outlets, toll plazas, etc.): 80% on infrastructure, 70% on equipment
• Category C (other city and highway sites): 80% on infrastructure only
• Category D (BSS/BCS): 80% on infrastructure

Benchmark costs for calculating subsidies are notified by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

Krishna K Jasti, Founder & CEO, EVRE, said, "The Ministry of Heavy Industries has released operational guidelines for EV Public Charging Stations under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, marking a turning point for India’s EV sector. With over Rs 10,900 crore committed, including Rs 2,000 crore for charging infrastructure, the scheme for the first time extends subsidies to upstream infrastructure costs such as grid connectivity and power augmentation — a move that adds immense value and makes deployment far more viable. This landmark step will accelerate EV adoption across urban and rural markets, while giving investors and stakeholders the confidence to back large-scale electrification. As a leading EV charger manufacturer, EVRE is committed to delivering smart, future-ready solutions that align with this vision and strengthen India’s position as a global leader in electric mobility.

Gaurav Rathore, Co-Founder at EVeez, said, "Under the PM E-DRIVE initiative, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has established new guidelines for the development of a national electric vehicle (EV) charging station network. The approach is broad and aspirational, with a target of establishing 72,000 public charging points through the budgetary allocation of Rs 2,000 crores. The chargers will comply with the Ministry of Power’s latest standards - 12 kW charging for two- and three-wheelers, 60 kW for cars, and 240 kW for e-bus and heavy vehicles. The larger opportunity, however, lies in more than just plugging in EVs to these chargers. These stations should be designed in a manner that supports the prospects of co-mobility and electric Mobility as a Service (eMaaS). To that end, envisioning these networks as a means to not only charge personal EVs but also power shared e-bikes, electric taxis, or e-buses will bring the desired transformation. Further, these stations can become a part of a holistic platform - allowing people to plan, book and pay for multiple EV transportation modes seamlessly. Thus, charging stations can also become a part of the larger smart mobility hub, allowing people and places to connect better."