MHI Issues Guidelines for EV Public Charging Stations Under PM E-DRIVE Scheme
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has introduced operational guidelines for Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, which has a budget of Rs 10,900 crore, including Rs 2,000 crore for charging infrastructure. Eligible entities such as government ministries and public sector enterprises can apply for funding to establish stations in cities with populations over one million, smart cities, and key highways. The subsidy structure varies by location and a National Unified Hub will provide public access to charging station data.
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The PM E-DRIVE scheme is projected to significantly boost electric vehicle registrations in India, with a reported year-on-year growth of 25.64% since its launch. This growth is attributed to various incentives and the expansion of charging infrastructure, which collectively enhance consumer confidence and accessibility to EVs. The scheme aims to support the adoption of over 24 lakh electric two-wheelers, 3 lakh electric three-wheelers, and 14,000 electric buses, further driving the electric mobility agenda in the country.
Under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, electric two-wheelers can receive up to Rs 10,000 in subsidies in the first year, based on battery capacity. This is relatively lower than the subsidies for cargo three-wheelers (L5 category), which can receive Rs 50,000 initially. This tiered subsidy structure aims to encourage adoption across different EV segments, reflecting the government's strategy to boost various categories of electric vehicles to meet diverse transportation needs.
Electric buses are a crucial component of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, with Rs 4,391 crore allocated specifically for their procurement across major Indian cities. The initiative aims to deploy over 14,000 electric buses, contributing to cleaner public transport and reduced urban pollution. This funding reflects the government's commitment to enhancing urban mobility through sustainable transportation options, aligning with broader environmental goals.
The PM E-DRIVE scheme is expected to catalyze technological advancements in electric vehicles, including improvements in battery technology, charging infrastructure, and smart mobility solutions. The integration of renewable energy sources into charging stations is also encouraged, promoting sustainability. As companies innovate alongside government initiatives, the ecosystem for electric mobility will likely see enhanced efficiency and user experience, facilitating broader adoption of EVs.
The updated guidelines for EV charging infrastructure installation emphasize expanding the network to ensure one charging station per square kilometer in urban areas by 2030. Additionally, fast-charging stations will be placed every 100 kilometers on highways. These measures aim to alleviate range anxiety among EV users, making charging more accessible and convenient, thus encouraging higher adoption rates of electric vehicles.
Eligible Entities
Locations for Charging Stations
- Cities with a population over one million
- Smart cities
- State capitals
- Satellite towns connected to metro cities
- National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities
- Selected highways linking major cities, ports, and industrial hubs
Charging Standards
- Two and three-wheelers: Light EV DC and AC/DC combo chargers up to 12 kW
- Cars and buses/trucks: CCS-II chargers, ranging from 50 kW to 500 kW depending on vehicle type
Battery Swapping and Charging Stations
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
Implementation and Disbursement
- Proposals must be submitted via the PM E-DRIVE online portal.
- Approved projects will receive subsidies in two tranches: 70% after initial setup and the balance after commissioning.
- BHEL will act as the Project Implementation Agency, while IFCI will serve as the Project Management Agency.
- A “National Unified Hub” platform will integrate data on charging stations for public access.
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