The Centre has announced a Rs 2,000 crore subsidy programme to boost electric vehicle charging infrastructure across cities and highways, under the Rs 10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme, according to guidelines issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and reported by IANS. The initiative offers support of up to 100 per cent for public charging stations at select government facilities and significant subsidies for other public locations.
Full subsidy for govt premises
Government offices, hospitals, educational institutions and central public sector enterprises will be eligible for 100 per cent subsidy on both upstream infrastructure and charging equipment, provided the facilities are open for free public use.
At bus depots of state transport undertakings, metro stations, municipal parking sites, public sector ports and toll plazas managed by NHAI or state authorities, the scheme will cover 80 per cent of infrastructure costs and 70 per cent of charging equipment costs.
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Support for airports, depots and fuel outlets
Charging facilities at airports, railway stations, metro depots and fuel retail outlets run by state-owned companies like Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum will also be eligible for 80 per cent support for infrastructure and 70 per cent for supply equipment. Battery swapping facilities will be covered with similar subsidy levels.
Priority will be given to cities with populations above one million, state capitals, smart cities, satellite towns linked to major metros, and busy stretches of national and state highways. Public transport hubs including airports, railway stations and fuel outlets have been identified as key sites for infrastructure support.
BHEL to lead implementation
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd has been named the Project Implementation Agency. It will also develop a National Unified Hub and mobile application to integrate chargers across networks, providing real-time updates, slot booking and payment options. IFCI Ltd has been appointed as the Project Management Agency.
Subsidies will be disbursed in two stages – 70 per cent at procurement and 30 per cent after commissioning and integration with the Unified Hub.
Charging standards finalised
The guidelines set technical benchmarks, with charging capacities of up to 12 kW for two- and three-wheelers, and fast chargers ranging from 50 kW to 500 kW for cars, buses and heavy vehicles.
Standards for EV charging
The operational guidelines specify charging standards, with up to 12 kW capacity for two- and three-wheelers and fast chargers ranging between 50 kW and 500 kW for cars, buses and heavy vehicles.
