Cabinet approves ₹10,900-cr. scheme for e-mobility push

• Procurement of e-buses as well as for setting up more than 72,000 charging stations for vehicle batteries in cities and highways to address ‘range anxiety’ among buyers.

Highlights:

• The Union Cabinet approved a significant scheme with a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore, focused on the procurement of electric buses (e-buses) and the establishment of over 72,000 charging stations.
• The initiative aims to address concerns around ‘range anxiety’ for electric vehicle buyers and promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across India.

PM E DRIVE Scheme Highlights:

• The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E DRIVE) scheme is designed for a two-year period. It emphasizes the promotion of electric mobility through incentives and infrastructure development.

Financial Allocation and Incentives

The scheme offers:

• ₹3,679 crore in subsidies or demand incentives for electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws), three-wheelers (e-3Ws), ambulances, and trucks.
• Support for 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses.

E-Bus Procurement Plan:

• A total of ₹4,391 crore is allocated for procuring 14,028 e-buses by state transport undertakings in nine major cities:
• Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad. Intercity and interstate e-bus services will also be facilitated in collaboration with states.
• Support for E-Trucks and E-Ambulances
• An additional ₹1,000 crore is set aside to incentivize the purchase of e-trucks and e-ambulances.

Charging Infrastructure Development:

• The scheme earmarks ₹2,000 crore for setting up electric public charging stations, particularly in cities with high EV penetration and along highways. The plan includes:
• 22,100 fast chargers for electric four-wheelers (e-4Ws)
• 1,800 fast chargers for e-buses
• 48,400 fast chargers for e-2Ws and e-3Ws

Prelims Takeaways:

• PM E DRIVE Scheme
• India’s EV Policy