A Big Push for EV Infrastructure

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has issued detailed guidelines for the rollout of public EV charging stations under the Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) scheme. With a budget allocation of Rs 2,000 crore, the government plans to set up nearly 72,300 charging stations across the country.

This move is expected to significantly strengthen India’s EV ecosystem, reduce range anxiety for users, and support the country’s clean mobility goals.

Subsidy Structure and Coverage

The scheme follows a tiered subsidy structure to encourage deployment across different types of locations. Government premises such as offices, hospitals, educational institutions, and residential complexes will get 100 percent subsidy on both upstream infrastructure and EV supply equipment, provided the chargers are freely accessible to the public.

For transport hubs and public-sector-controlled sites including railway stations, airports, oil marketing company outlets, bus depots, and toll plazas, the subsidy will cover 80 percent of upstream infrastructure and 70 percent of equipment cost. In other public places like shopping malls, streets, and market complexes, subsidies will extend up to 80 percent of infrastructure costs.

Battery swapping and charging stations deployed anywhere will also be eligible for 80 percent subsidy on infrastructure costs.

Benchmark Costs and Implementation

To determine the subsidy, benchmark costs have been set. For example, upstream infrastructure for a 50 kW charger is pegged at Rs 6.04 lakh, while chargers above 150 kW are valued at Rs 24 lakh. Equipment costs vary by capacity, with a 50 kW CCS-II charger priced at Rs 7.25 lakh and a 100 kW charger at Rs 11.68 lakh.

The focus areas for deployment include urban centres with a population of over one million, smart cities, metro-connected towns, state capitals, and major highways. Public transport hubs such as airports and fuel stations have been marked as priority locations.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited has been appointed as the Project Implementation Agency. Subsidies will be released in two tranches based on compliance and performance benchmarks. Integration with the National Unified EV Charging Hub will be mandatory, ensuring real-time station availability, smooth payments, and data monitoring.

Strengthening India’s EV Vision

The scheme also supports electrification of government and public sector fleets. Central ministries, public enterprises, state governments, and Union Territories will be eligible for incentives to adopt EVs.

By laying down a comprehensive framework for charging infrastructure, the government aims to accelerate EV adoption, create confidence among consumers, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. This initiative is a crucial step in achieving India’s long-term sustainability and clean energy goals.

 

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