Why in the news?

  • The centre has issued norms offering up to 100% subsidies for setting up vehicle charging stations, battery swapping and charging stations, targeting high-density cities, satellite towns, and key national and state highways under the PM E – DRIVE scheme.

PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme

  • Launch: 2024
  • Ministry Responsible: Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).
  • Focus: e-2 Wheelers (e-2Ws), e-3 Wheelers (e-3Ws), e-ambulances, e-trucks, e-buses, charging infra, EV testing (Category-wise Incentives)
  • Objective: Accelerate adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs), Develop EV charging infrastructure, Strengthen domestic EV manufacturing ecosystem, Promote sustainable, clean, and efficient public transport.
  • Expected Outcome:
    • Boost EV adoption across commercial and public transport sectors.
    • Support India’s net-zero goals by 2070.
    • Reduce urban air pollution & fossil fuel dependency.
    • Enhance domestic EV manufacturing capacity.