By Rounak Khare
Operational guidelines have been released by the central government for the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme. The 10,900 Crore Rupees scheme includes establishment of over 72,000 public Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations across different locations spread all over India, with a 2,000 Crore Rupees outlay.
The cities with million-plus population, smart cities, state/UT capitals, satellite towns of metropolitan cities and the cities which fall under the National Clean Air Programme will be given priority by the eligible entities to obtain a focused approach. The scheme will provide graded subsidies based on location.
Upstream infrastructure and charging equipment for government premises will be given 100% subsidy, where private individuals can charge their EVs without any restrictions. These government premises include offices, residential complexes, hospitals and educational institutions. The funds for the scheme will only be released upon meeting compliance and performance benchmarks.
To support the installation of EV charging stations across these different locations, a recommended tiered subsidy structure by the norms will be followed. Central public sector enterprises, ministries, state governments, union territories and their public sector undertakings fall in the eligibility to submit proposals for the charging stations, as mentioned in the guidelines. The proposals will be submitted to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, according to the guidelines.
Suitable sites for the EV charging stations will be identified by the nodal agencies, who will also aggregate demand for these stations. Entities also have the option to set-up, operate and provide maintenance for the EV PCS on their own, or engage charge point operators for the same.
All the chargers which will be deployed under this scheme should conform to the Ministry of Power’s 2024 guidelines, which state different eligibility markers for two- and three-wheeler vehicles or light EVs, and four-wheelers, buses and trucks.