PM E-Drive Scheme: Operational Guidelines For EV Charging Infra Revealed

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has published operational guidelines for establishing electric vehicle (EV) public charging infrastructure under the ₹10,000 crore PM E-Drive scheme. 

A dedicated ₹2,000 crore has been allocated to subsidise 72,300 new public charging stations, battery swapping stations, and charging points.  

Eligibility for Incentives

Central government ministries, central public sector enterprises (CPSEs), autonomous bodies, and state/Union Territory governments are eligible for incentives. Private entities may partner with these bodies as Charge Point Operators (CPOs).  

Subsidy Details and Coverage

Subsidies cover upstream infrastructure costs, including transformers, cables, and civil works, and may extend to EV Supply Equipment (EVSE) costs in specific cases. The subsidy is calculated as a percentage of the lower of benchmark costs (set by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency) or actual costs. 

For instance:  

Upstream infrastructure: Ranges from ₹6.04 lakh (≤50 kW chargers) to ₹24 lakh (>150 kW).  

EVSE: A 50 kW CCS-II charger costs ₹7.25 lakh, while a 100 kW variant is priced at ₹11.68 lakh.  

Priority Areas for Deployment

The scheme prioritises high-density urban centres (populations >1 million), smart cities, state capitals, and major highways. Charging stations in government buildings (offices, hospitals, schools) receive 100% subsidy if free for public use. 

Public sector sites (e.g., petrol pumps, airports, metro stations) get 80% subsidy for infrastructure and 70% for EVSE. Other urban locations qualify for 80% infrastructure subsidy, while battery swapping stations across all areas receive 80% support.  

Technical Standards and Integration  

All infrastructure must comply with the Ministry of Power’s latest EV charging standards for interoperability:  

Two/three-wheelers: Light EV DC (IS-17017-2-6) or AC/DC Combo (IS-17017-2-7) up to 12 kW.  

Four-wheelers/buses: CCS-II (IS-17017-2-3) from 50–250 kW.  

Heavy-duty vehicles: CCS-II chargers (250–500 kW), delivering ≥120 kW per gun.  

New stations will integrate with the National Unified EV Charging Hub for real-time availability updates and seamless payments.  

Central and state governments must appoint nodal agencies to aggregate demand and submit proposals. The project implementation agency, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), will disburse subsidies in two stages tied to performance benchmarks.

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