The Central government has unveiled operational guidelines for the nationwide rollout of nearly 72,300 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under the PM E-DRIVE scheme. The Ministry of Heavy Industries stated that the framework aims to expedite the development of charging infrastructure through a tiered subsidy model, targeting government premises, highways, public transport hubs, and major commercial complexes.

100% Subsidy for Public Access Points

According to the guidelines, government offices, hospitals, residential colonies, and educational institutions will be eligible for a full subsidy covering upstream infrastructure and EV charging equipment, provided the facilities ensure unrestricted public access to these stations.

Subsidy Structure for High-Traffic Hubs

For high-footfall areas such as railway stations, airports, metro stations, bus terminals, municipal parking lots, toll plazas operated by NHAI or state governments, and fuel outlets run by state-owned oil companies, the subsidy will cover 80 percent of upstream costs and 70 percent of charging equipment costs. Shopping malls, markets, and roadside facilities along highways and motorways will also be entitled to an 80 per cent subsidy for upstream infrastructure.

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Battery Swapping and Charging Stations Included

The scheme further extends support to battery swapping and charging stations set up at any location, which will qualify for an 80 per cent subsidy on upstream expenses.

BHEL Appointed as Project Implementation Agency

Under the new framework, eligible government agencies are tasked with designating nodal bodies to aggregate demand, identify priority sites, and file consolidated proposals via a dedicated online portal. To ensure smooth rollout, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has been assigned as the Project Implementation Agency (PIA). Subsidy payments will be disbursed in two stages, linked to performance and compliance benchmarks.

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Focus on Major Cities and Transport Corridors

The PM E-DRIVE scheme gives priority to cities with populations over one million, state capitals, smart cities, metro-linked satellite towns, and high-density transport corridors. The government expects the initiative to significantly expand EV adoption by strengthening charging infrastructure across urban centres and transit points.