The Ministry of Heavy Industries launched the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme on 11th September 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking a pivotal shift in India’s electric mobility efforts. The scheme, with a financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore for two years, aims to accelerate EV adoption and build critical infrastructure nationwide, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for net-zero emissions by 2070.
The transition from FAME and the Electric Vehicle Promotion Scheme (EMPS) to PM E-DRIVE signals a focused push towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation under the ‘Swachh Vahan’ initiative.
Key Components of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme
Subsidies and Demand Incentives: ₹3,679 crore allocated to incentivize 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, 14,028 e-buses, and emerging EVs.
E-Voucher System: Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers for EV buyers, ensuring seamless access to incentives.
E-Ambulances and E-Trucks: ₹500 crore each for e-ambulances and e-trucks, supporting public health and transportation needs.
E-Buses: ₹4,391 crore allocated for 14,028 e-buses across nine cities, with a focus on replacing scrapped buses.
Public Charging Infrastructure: ₹2,000 crore for setting up 72,300 fast chargers for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-4Ws, and e-buses.
Test Agency Modernization: ₹780 crore allocated to upgrade testing agencies for new EV technologies.
The scheme focuses on enhancing affordable, environment-friendly transportation, targeting primarily commercial vehicles like e-2Ws and e-3Ws, with eligibility extending to private and corporate-registered vehicles. The incentives under PM E-DRIVE apply only to advanced battery-fitted EVs.
Eligible Vehicle Categories and Fund Allocation
| Vehicle Segment | Maximum No. of Vehicles to be Supported | Total Fund Support (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|
| e-2 Wheelers (e-2Ws) | 24,79,120 | 1,772 |
| e-Rickshaws & e-Carts | 1,10,596 | 192 |
| e-3 Wheelers (L5) | 2,05,392 | 715 |
| e-Ambulances | To be notified separately | 500 |
| e-Trucks | To be notified separately | 500 |
| e-Buses | 14,028 | 4,391 |
| EV Public Charging Stations (PCS) | 72,300 | 2,000 |
| Testing Agencies Upgradation | – | 780 |
| Administrative Expenses | – | 50 |
| Total | 28,81,436 | 10,900 |
Key Features
- PM E-DRIVE e-Voucher: A digital system generating Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers for EV buyers to access demand incentives. These e-vouchers will be sent to customers’ registered mobile numbers at the time of purchase.
- Upgradation of Testing Agencies: ₹780 crore allocated to modernize MHI testing agencies to ensure they meet new EV technology standards.
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