Prime Minister Modi Approves PM E-DRIVE Scheme to Boost Electric Vehicles in India
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme. This initiative by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) aims to promote electric mobility across India with a budget of Rs 10,900 crore over two years.
Subsidies and Incentives
The scheme includes subsidies worth Rs 3,679 crore to encourage the purchase of electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws), three-wheelers (e-3Ws), ambulances, trucks, and other emerging electric vehicles (EVs). It will support 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses.
E-Vouchers for EV Buyers
MHI is introducing e-vouchers for EV buyers to avail demand incentives. When purchasing an EV, an Aadhaar authenticated e-voucher will be generated and sent to the buyer’s registered mobile number. This e-voucher, signed by both the buyer and dealer, will be essential for claiming reimbursement of demand incentives.
Focus on E-Ambulances and E-Buses
Rs 500 crore has been allocated for e-ambulances to ensure comfortable patient transport. Performance and safety standards will be set in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and other stakeholders. Additionally, Rs 4,391 crore has been allocated for the procurement of 14,028 e-buses for public transport in nine major cities.
Promoting E-Trucks and Charging Infrastructure
The scheme also aims to reduce air pollution by promoting e-trucks, with Rs 500 crore allocated for incentives. To address range anxiety, the scheme proposes installing 22,100 fast chargers for e-4Ws, 1,800 for e-buses, and 48,400 for e-2Ws/3Ws, with an outlay of Rs 2,000 crore.
Modernizing Testing Agencies
To support the growing EV ecosystem, MHI’s test agencies will be modernized with an investment of Rs 780 crore. This will help promote green mobility and support the establishment of essential charging infrastructure.
Objectives and Impact
The PM E-DRIVE scheme aims to expedite EV adoption, reduce environmental impact, and improve air quality. It promotes a competitive and resilient EV manufacturing industry, supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The scheme is expected to create significant employment opportunities and spur investment in the EV sector.
Doubts Revealed
Prime Minister Modi -: Prime Minister Modi is the leader of India. He makes important decisions for the country.
Union Cabinet -: The Union Cabinet is a group of top leaders in the Indian government who help the Prime Minister make decisions.
PM E-DRIVE Scheme -: The PM E-DRIVE Scheme is a new plan to help more people use electric vehicles in India.
Electric mobility -: Electric mobility means using vehicles that run on electricity instead of petrol or diesel.
Rs 10,900 crore -: Rs 10,900 crore is a large amount of money, about 109 billion rupees, set aside for this plan.
Subsidies -: Subsidies are financial help from the government to make things cheaper for people.
E-vouchers -: E-vouchers are like coupons that give you a discount when you buy something, in this case, electric vehicles.
E-ambulances -: E-ambulances are ambulances that run on electricity instead of petrol or diesel.
E-buses -: E-buses are buses that run on electricity instead of petrol or diesel.
Charging infrastructure -: Charging infrastructure means places where you can charge electric vehicles, like charging stations.
Environmental impact -: Environmental impact means the effect something has on nature and the planet.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat -: Aatmanirbhar Bharat is a plan to make India more self-reliant and less dependent on other countries.
Domestic EV manufacturing -: Domestic EV manufacturing means making electric vehicles within India instead of importing them from other countries.
Employment opportunities -: Employment opportunities are chances for people to get jobs.
