The Government of India has unveiled operational guidelines to install over 72,300 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations nationwide under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, a major step towards accelerating EV adoption and promoting sustainable mobility.
The scheme features a tiered subsidy structure to support installation at strategic locations. Government offices, hospitals, schools, and residential colonies offering free public access will get 100% subsidy on infrastructure and equipment. Airports, railway stations, metro stations, bus terminals, parking lots, and toll plazas will receive 80% subsidy on infrastructure and 70% on equipment, while commercial hubs like malls and highway facilities will get 80% support on upstream costs.
Priority will be given to cities with over one million population, state capitals, smart cities, and high-density corridors, ensuring maximum impact and convenience. Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) will serve as the Project Implementation Agency (PIA), with subsidies released in phases linked to compliance and performance.
This initiative addresses one of the biggest hurdles in EV adoption — charging infrastructure — and aims to reduce range anxiety, boost user confidence, cut vehicular emissions, and drive India’s transition towards a cleaner transport ecosystem.
