PM E-Drive scheme: The PM E-Drive Scheme: To promote electric mobility in the country, the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement or PM E-Drive Scheme has been approved. Instead of implementing the FAME-2 scheme, the E-Drive scheme is being introduced. This plan, proposed by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), will involve an expenditure of ₹10,900 crores over two years.
E-Drive is replacement of FAME.
For a two-year period, the E-Drive initiative is being introduced. This plan will take the place of the FAME program, which was canceled in March 2024. The nine-year-old FAME initiative aims to hasten the production and uptake of electric and hybrid automobiles. The E-Drive program will assist 14,028 electric buses, 3.16 lakh (316,000) electric three-wheelers, and 24.79 lakh (2.479 million) electric two-wheelers.
₹10,900 Crores to be Spent
Under this scheme, ₹4,391 crores are allocated for the purchase of 14,028 electric buses by state transport undertakings and public transportation agencies. Additionally, ₹500 crores are set aside for deploying electric ambulances. This is a new initiative by the government to increase the use of electric ambulances for the comfortable transportation of patients. A provision of ₹500 crores is also included to encourage the adoption of electric trucks under the PM E-Drive scheme.
Process to get subsidy
Purchasers of electric vehicles will receive an e-voucher under the E-Drive program. Their Aadhaar card will be used to validate this voucher. The voucher will be delivered to the buyer’s cellphone after the electric vehicle is purchased. Both the dealer and the buyer must sign the e-voucher in order for the buyer to be eligible for the subsidy. After that, the electronic coupon will be uploaded to the E-Drive website. The dealer and the customer will receive an SMS with a signed e-voucher; the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) needs this to make a reimbursement claim.
Charging Stations to Be Developed
The PM E-Drive scheme will support the development of 88,500 charging stations. The new scheme also offers a subsidy/incentive of ₹3,679 crores to promote the adoption of electric two-wheelers, electric three-wheelers, electric ambulances, electric trucks, and other emerging electric vehicles (EVs).
Positive Takeaway
The PM E-Drive Scheme will help reduce air pollution by promoting zero-emission electric vehicles (EVs) and making them more affordable through subsidies. It will increase the use of EVs in different sectors, improve public transport with electric buses, and set up 88,500 charging stations to support EV growth. The scheme will also lower energy use, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and create jobs in EV manufacturing and maintenance.
