India to Boost Electric Vehicle Adoption with New PM E-DRIVE Scheme, Says Minister HD Kumaraswamy
Union Minister for Ministry of Heavy Industries, HD Kumaraswamy, announced that India will ensure sufficient charging infrastructure to support the massive adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country. Speaking at a seminar on ‘FAME’s Success in Transforming India’s EV Landscape’, Kumaraswamy outlined the government’s commitment to expanding the nation’s EV charging network.
New PM E-DRIVE Scheme
The Ministry of Heavy Industries will soon introduce e-vouchers for EV buyers to avail of demand incentives under the newly approved PM E-DRIVE (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme. This scheme aims to accelerate EV adoption through substantial upfront incentives and the development of crucial charging infrastructure.
Key Features of PM E-DRIVE
- Installation of 10,763 public charging stations under the FAME-II scheme.
- A dedicated fund of Rs 500 crore for e-ambulances.
- Rs 500 crore to incentivise the adoption of electric trucks.
- Rs 2,000 crore for installing 22,000 fast chargers for electric four-wheelers, 1,800 for e-buses, and 48,400 for e-two and three-wheelers.
Kumaraswamy emphasized, “Our goal is to reduce our environmental footprint, improve air quality, and build a competitive and resilient electric vehicle manufacturing industry.”
Success of FAME-II Scheme
Reflecting on the success of FAME-II, Kumaraswamy reported that around 93% of the targeted vehicles have been incentivised, with 92% of the allocated Rs 11,500 crore utilised. The scheme has also made significant strides in public transportation, with 4,853 e-buses supplied out of the 6,862 sanctioned for intra-city operations as of July 31, 2024.
Kamran Rizvi, Secretary, Union Ministry of Heavy Industries, added, “With the PM E-DRIVE coming, the Phased Manufacturing Programme, the domestic value addition targets will be tweaked and amended so as to take advantage of our increased capability, and so that we become a truly a world leader in electric mobility technology.”
Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, stated that more than 92% of the target under the FAME-II scheme has already been achieved.
Doubts Revealed
Electric Vehicle (EV) -: An electric vehicle (EV) is a type of vehicle that runs on electricity instead of petrol or diesel. It uses batteries to store energy and is more environmentally friendly.
PM E-DRIVE scheme -: The PM E-DRIVE scheme is a new plan by the Indian government to encourage people to use electric vehicles. It includes benefits like e-vouchers and more charging stations.
e-vouchers -: E-vouchers are like digital coupons that give you a discount or benefit when you buy something, in this case, an electric vehicle.
public charging stations -: Public charging stations are places where you can charge the batteries of electric vehicles. They are like petrol pumps but for electric cars.
e-ambulances -: E-ambulances are ambulances that run on electricity instead of petrol or diesel. They are better for the environment and help reduce pollution.
electric trucks -: Electric trucks are trucks that use electricity to run. They are used for transporting goods and are more eco-friendly than traditional trucks.
fast chargers -: Fast chargers are special types of chargers that can charge electric vehicle batteries much quicker than regular chargers.
environmental impact -: Environmental impact refers to the effect that something has on the environment. Using electric vehicles helps reduce pollution and makes the air cleaner.
FAME-II scheme -: The FAME-II scheme is an earlier plan by the Indian government to promote electric vehicles. It has been successful in increasing the number of electric buses in public transportation.
HD Kumaraswamy -: HD Kumaraswamy is a Union Minister in India. He is responsible for announcing and implementing government schemes like the PM E-DRIVE.