Overview
- The Ministry of Heavy Industries published operational guidelines that move the charging component of the ₹10,900-crore PM E-DRIVE scheme into implementation.
- Government premises offering free public access will get a 100% subsidy on both upstream infrastructure and charging equipment, while transport hubs and PSU-controlled sites get 80% for infrastructure and 70% for equipment.
- Other public locations, including city streets, malls and highway sites, are eligible for an 80% subsidy on upstream infrastructure, and battery swapping or charging stations at any site receive the same infrastructure support.
- BHEL is appointed Project Implementation Agency and IFCI is the Project Management Agency, with subsidies released in two tranches—70% at procurement and 30% after commissioning and integration with the National Unified Hub.
- Deployment prioritises million-plus cities, smart cities, state capitals and busy highway corridors, with charger standards set at up to 12 kW for two- and three-wheelers and 50–500 kW fast charging for cars, buses and trucks.