The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and major auto players have praised the Indian government’s decision to launch the PM e-DRIVE schemes, aimed at promoting electric mobility in the country. The scheme, with a total outlay of Rs 10,900 crore, will support the deployment of 2,479,000 electric 2-wheelers, 316,000 electric 3-wheelers, 14,028 electric buses, and 88,500 EV charging sites. Industry leaders like Shailesh Chandra, President of SIAM, and Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD of Mahindra Group, have expressed strong support for this forward-thinking initiative.
Shailesh Chandra highlighted the government’s commitment to India’s transition to electric mobility as a significant step towards environmental sustainability and global leadership in the EV sector. Dr. Anish Shah commended the comprehensive nature of the PM e-DRIVE scheme, emphasizing its focus on promoting electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, e-buses, and e-ambulances to drive higher EV penetration in the country. Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) also noted the success of previous schemes like FAME and EMPS in increasing the adoption of electric three-wheelers, and expressed optimism about India’s potential to achieve 100% electrification in this segment by 2030.
The PM e-DRIVE scheme, approved by the Union Cabinet, includes subsidies and demand incentives for various categories of electric vehicles, such as e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, and e-trucks. It aims to support the deployment of millions of electric vehicles and provide a significant boost to India’s EV ecosystem. One of the key features of the scheme is the introduction of e-vouchers for EV buyers, allowing them to avail demand incentives at the time of purchase. Additionally, the scheme allocates funds for the deployment of e-ambulances, procurement of e-buses, and incentivizing the adoption of e-trucks.
With an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore, the PM e-DRIVE scheme also aims to support the installation of over 22,000 fast chargers for four-wheelers, 1,800 fast chargers for e-buses, and 48,400 fast chargers for two- and three-wheelers. These chargers will be strategically placed in cities with high EV penetration and along select highways, facilitating long-distance EV travel and increasing consumer confidence in EV adoption. The scheme also encourages the participation of individuals with scrapping certificates from MoRTH-approved vehicle scrapping centers to transition to electric vehicles, further promoting sustainability and reducing air pollution.
Overall, the PM e-DRIVE scheme is a significant step towards accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in India and promoting sustainable mobility. With the support of industry leaders, government initiatives, and strategic investments in infrastructure, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in electric mobility and environmental sustainability. By promoting innovation, investment, and transition to electric vehicles, the scheme is set to drive higher EV penetration and strengthen India’s position in the global movement towards a greener future.
