The Government of India has launched operational guidelines under the PM E-DRIVE scheme to set up more than 72,300 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. This move, led by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, is aimed at accelerating EV adoption by making charging infrastructure more accessible and affordable, while also addressing the growing need for sustainable mobility.
PM E-Drive scheme subsidy model
Under the new framework, a tiered subsidy model has been introduced to encourage installations at critical public and commercial locations. Government offices, hospitals, schools, and residential colonies will receive a 100% subsidy on both upstream infrastructure and charging equipment, provided they allow free public access. High-traffic hubs such as airports, railway stations, metro hubs, bus depots, municipal parking lots, and toll plazas will be eligible for an 80% subsidy on upstream infrastructure and 70% on charging equipment. Commercial establishments like shopping malls, markets, and highway roadside facilities will qualify for an 80% subsidy on upstream infrastructure, while battery swapping stations will also receive 80% support on upstream costs.
PM E-Drive centres installation process
The scheme prioritises installations in cities with populations exceeding one million, as well as state capitals, smart cities, metro-linked satellite towns, and high-density transport corridors. This targeted approach ensures maximum impact on urban mobility while reducing “range anxiety” for EV users. By focusing on public transport hubs, commercial complexes, and residential zones, the government hopes to make EV charging more convenient and widespread.
To ensure smooth execution, eligible government agencies will appoint nodal bodies responsible for aggregating demand and identifying priority sites. These agencies will submit proposals through a dedicated online portal. Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has been designated as the Project Implementation Agency (PIA) and will oversee deployment. Subsidies will be disbursed in two tranches, linked to compliance and performance benchmarks, to guarantee both quality and timely implementation.
India’s EV Ecosystem to change
The rollout of more than 72,000 charging points is expected to be a game-changer for India’s EV ecosystem. By tackling one of the biggest barriers to electric mobility—the lack of charging infrastructure—the PM E-DRIVE scheme will boost consumer confidence and encourage more people to adopt EVs. The initiative also aligns with India’s broader goals of reducing vehicular emissions and promoting sustainable transport solutions. Once operational, this large-scale charging network is set to transform India’s EV landscape and bring the country closer to its clean energy and net-zero commitments.