Autobayng News Team
Priority will be given to deployment in million-plus population cities, smart cities, and satellite towns adjoining major metros, as well as highways connecting key industrial hubs, ports, and state capitals.“>
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has released operational guidelines for the deployment of electric vehicle (EV) public charging stations across the country under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme.From the ₹10,900-crore scheme, ₹2,000 crore has been earmarked specifically for establishing charging infrastructure for various vehicle categories, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger cars, buses, and trucks, as per the official notification. As per a report by CareEdge Ratings, India has over 26,000 public EV charging stations as of early FY25, reflecting a CAGR of 72 per cent over the three-year period of FY22 and FY25. However, this translates to having just one public charging station for every 235 electric vehicles on the road.Under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, establishment of 72,300 charging stations has been targeted.
Who all are eligible?
According to the guidelines, government ministries, central public sector enterprises (CPSEs), and state or union territory agencies will be eligible to submit proposals to the ministry. These entities may directly set up, operate, and maintain charging stations or appoint charge point operators (CPOs) to manage them.The scheme gives priority to deployment of charging stations in million-plus population cities, smart cities, and satellite towns adjoining major metros, as well as highways connecting key industrial hubs, ports, and state capitals.
The guidelines also lay out charging standards in line with the Ministry of Power’s 2024 framework. For light EVs, standards such as Light EV DC (IS-17017-2-6) and AC/DC Combo (IS-17017-2-7) will apply, while heavier vehicles will use CCS-II connectors with capacities ranging from 50 kW to 500 kW.
Subsidies to boost infra and EVSE
As per the scheme, subsidies will be provided for both upstream infrastructure and EV supply equipment (EVSE). The eligible entities have been categorised based on their locations.Category A locations, such as government offices and residential complexes, will receive 100 per cent subsidy on both components.
Category B sites, including airports, metro stations, and toll plazas under public control, will be eligible for 80 per cent support on infrastructure and 70 per cent on EVSE.
Category C locations, such as shopping malls or market complexes, will be entitled to 80 per cent subsidy on infrastructure.
The government has also provided benchmark costs for subsidy calculation — ranging from ₹6.04 lakh for 50 kW infrastructure to ₹24 lakh for installations above 150 kW.The ministry stated that the move aims to instil confidence among EV users and ensure seamless inter-city and intra-city travel through an accessible charging network.
Two- tranche subsidy model
The implementation will follow a two-tranche subsidy model: 70 per cent will be released after procurement and initial setup, and the balance upon commissioning and onboarding of the chargers onto the National Unified Hub — a digital platform for real-time monitoring and payments.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been designated as the Project Implementation Agency, responsible for proposal evaluation, national-level app development, and integration of public chargers. IFCI will act as the Project Management Agency.
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