India’s EV Revolution: 72,300 Charging Stations with Up to 100% Subsidy Under PM E-Drive Scheme
The Indian government has unveiled a substantial subsidy plan to promote the installation of public fast-charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). Under this initiative, an 80% subsidy will be provided for setting up the required infrastructure, with certain cases eligible for up to 100% subsidy. The government aims to invest ₹10,900 crores in this scheme over two years. State governments will designate nodal agencies to facilitate the establishment of charging stations.
Nationwide Plan for 72,300 Charging Stations
The plan includes the installation of 72,300 public fast-charging stations across the country. Of these, 48,400 chargers will cater to electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, while 22,100 chargers will support electric four-wheelers. Additionally, the infrastructure will include 1,800 chargers for electric buses and trucks.
Cities and Vehicle Types Covered
The scheme targets major metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, along with Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities like Bhopal, Indore, Raipur, Jaipur, Patna, and Udaipur.
Subsidy Details for EV Chargers
| Vehicle Type | Cost (₹ in Lakhs) | Subsidy (₹ in Lakhs) | Provision (₹ in Crores) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two/Three-Wheelers | ₹1.5 | ₹1.2 | ₹581 |
| Four-Wheelers | ₹6.0 | ₹4.8 | ₹1,061 |
| Buses/Trucks | ₹24.0 | ₹19.2 | ₹346 |
| Total | — | — | ₹1,988 |
Specifications for Public Charging Stations
Each public charging station must include:
- At least one 60 kW fast charger for four-wheelers.
- Two 12 kW chargers for two-wheelers or three-wheelers.
- A space of 40 to 60 square meters for parking two cars and four two-wheelers or three-wheelers.
Identified Cities for EV Charging Infrastructure
The government has identified 40 cities based on the number of electric four-wheelers for prioritizing charging infrastructure. Delhi tops the list, while Jodhpur and Udaipur are at the lower end. Additionally, 131 cities under the National Clean Air Program (NCAP) are included.
Highway Corridors for EV Buses and Trucks
Priority will also be given to 40 highway corridors for electric buses and 20 highway corridors for electric trucks to ensure seamless charging infrastructure.
This initiative is a significant step towards boosting EV adoption in India by addressing the critical need for a robust charging network.
