Government Approves PM E-DRIVE Scheme to Boost Electric Mobility

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme. With an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over two years, the scheme aims to promote electric mobility by providing incentives and developing necessary charging infrastructure.

The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme. This major initiative, put forth by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, aims to promote electric mobility across India with a substantial budget of Rs 10,900 crore over two years.

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme offers incentive subsidies worth Rs 3,679 crore for various electric vehicles (EVs) including e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, and e-trucks. Officials confirmed that the scheme will support 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses. A novel feature of the scheme is the introduction of e-vouchers for EV buyers to avail demand incentives, authenticated via Aadhaar and delivered to registered mobile numbers.

Significant allocations have been made, such as Rs 500 crore for e-ambulances and Rs 4,391 crore for e-buses. Fast charging infrastructure will also be prioritized, with Rs 2,000 crore designated for setting up thousands of fast chargers nationwide. The scheme is poised to enhance EV adoption, reduce environmental impact, and create numerous employment opportunities while fostering Aatmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging domestic manufacturing.

(With inputs from agencies.)