In a major push towards clean mobility, the center sanctions 1243 EV charging stations for Karnataka under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, with a financial outlay of ₹123.26 crore. H. D. Kumaraswamy announced during a national conference on strengthening EV charging infrastructure held in Bengaluru.
Bengaluru Emerges as EV Charging Hub
Highlighting the city’s rapid progress, the minister stated that Bengaluru has become one of India’s leading EV charging hubs. He urged states to actively support the EV transition, emphasizing that the Centre’s sanctions on 1,243 EV charging stations are a crucial step in strengthening regional infrastructure.
So far, proposals worth ₹503.86 crore have been approved for installing 4,874 EV chargers across India. These projects involve major public sector companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum.
Driving India’s Net Zero Vision
The initiative aligns with India’s broader sustainability goals under Narendra Modi, aiming for Net Zero emissions by 2070 and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The automotive sector, contributing over 7% to India’s GDP and supporting nearly 30 million jobs, is central to this transition.
Key Schemes Powering EV Growth
The government is backing EV adoption through multiple schemes:
- ₹18,100 crore PLI ACC scheme for battery manufacturing
- ₹25,938 crore PLI Auto scheme for cleaner vehicles
- ₹7,280 crore REPM scheme for rare earth magnets
The PM E-DRIVE scheme, with a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore, remains the backbone of this transformation. Notably, ₹2,000 crore is allocated specifically for public charging infrastructure, reinforcing efforts as the Centre sanctions 1,243 EV charging stations.
Expanding Nationwide Charging Network
Oil marketing companies have already installed 8,932 EV chargers under the FAME-II scheme, including 721 in Karnataka, supported by ₹873.5 crore in subsidies. This complements the latest move by the Centre to sanction 1,243 EV charging stations, further strengthening accessibility.
Unified EV Charging App in the Works
To simplify EV usage, the government is developing the Unified Bharat e-Charge (UBC) app. This platform will allow users to locate, access, and pay for charging across networks—similar to the ease of UPI in digital payments.
A Defining Moment for India’s EV Future
The government’s roadmap focuses on accessibility, affordability, and reliability across urban and rural areas. With the center’s sanctions on 1,243 EV charging stations, India is taking a decisive step towards reducing fossil fuel dependence, enhancing energy security, and building a sustainable future.
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