Centre Offering 35% Subsidy On E-Ambulances

The Centre has announced a subsidy of up to 35 per cent of the ex-factory price for electric ambulances, according to a gazette notification issued earlier this week, as part of efforts to promote cleaner mobility in the healthcare transport segment.

A total outlay of ₹500 crore has been earmarked under the programme to support an indicative deployment of 3,811 electric ambulances over FY27 and FY28. The scheme will cover Patient Transport Vehicles (Type B), Basic Life Support ambulances (Type C), and Advanced Life Support units (Type D).

The country currently has around 86,000 ambulances in operation, with an estimated service life of about seven years. Approximately 25,000 ambulances are procured each year under the National Health Mission.

The incentives are being extended under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, which was launched in September 2024 with a total allocation of ₹10,900 crore. The programme is focused on electrification across select commercial segments, including buses, ambulances and trucks, alongside investments in EV public charging infrastructure and upgrades to vehicle testing agencies.

Electric ambulances are already in use across several global markets, including the United States, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the UK and Japan. These vehicles typically offer a driving range between 150 km and 320 km on a single charge.

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