India to roll out 72300 public EV charging stations: In a significant move to boost electric mobility, the Government of India has announced operational guidelines for the installation of 72,300 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) initiative. The scheme, aimed at fast-tracking EV adoption, features a structured subsidy mechanism and strategic deployment to ensure maximum accessibility and utility.
Strategic Deployment Across Urban and Transit Hubs
The new guidelines focus on high-traffic areas and population centers, including major urban centers, state capitals, satellite towns linked to metro systems, and key national and state highways. In addition, high-density transport corridors and public hubs such as airports, metro stations, bus terminals, railway stations, municipal parking areas, and state-run fuel stations will also host these charging stations. By prioritizing these locations, the government intends to reduce range anxiety and facilitate seamless EV usage across cities and transport corridors.
Tiered Subsidy Structure to Encourage Adoption
The PM E-DRIVE initiative provides a tiered subsidy system to incentivize both public and private entities to set up EV charging infrastructure:
- 100% subsidy: Available for government offices, educational institutions, hospitals, and residential colonies. Both upstream infrastructure and EV chargers are fully subsidized, provided the stations remain accessible to the public.
- 80% subsidy for infrastructure: Applicable to busy public spaces such as shopping malls, roadside facilities, expressway markets, and battery-swapping stations.
- 70–80% subsidy for EV chargers: Government-operated transit hubs and fuel stations will receive an 80% subsidy for upstream infrastructure and 70% for EV supply equipment.
This structured support ensures flexibility in deployment while encouraging urban and rural coverage. Battery-swapping stations, critical for commercial and high-turnover applications, are also included in this framework.
Implementation and Oversight
The rollout will be supervised by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), designated as the Project Implementation Agency (PIA). BHEL will also develop a centralized digital platform and mobile application, enabling users to locate and access charging stations efficiently. Eligible government agencies will be responsible for identifying priority locations, aggregating demand, and submitting proposals through this unified portal.
Subsidy disbursement will occur in two phases, contingent on compliance and performance milestones, ensuring accountability and timely implementation. Charging stations must also adhere to technical standards issued by the Ministry of Power, guaranteeing safety and interoperability.
Targets and Financial Outlay
Under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, the government has allocated ₹2,000 crore specifically for charging infrastructure, as part of a total ₹10,900 crore outlay. The target is to deploy:
- 48,400 chargers for two- and three-wheelers
- 22,100 fast chargers for four-wheelers
- 1,800 stations for buses and trucks
These targets complement India’s broader EV adoption goals, building on initiatives like the FAME schemes, to achieve 30% EV penetration by 2030.
Towards a Sustainable Mobility Future
By providing robust financial support and ensuring widespread accessibility, the PM E-DRIVE initiative is set to transform India’s EV ecosystem. With 72,300 strategically located charging stations, the government aims to alleviate range anxiety, promote cleaner transportation, and accelerate the country’s transition toward sustainable mobility.
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