The Indian government is accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) through a multi-pronged approach encompassing financial incentives, infrastructure development, and standardized guidelines. A press release on these measures was issued on December 20, 2024.
PM E-DRIVE Scheme
On September 29, 2024, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) notified the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM-eDRIVE) scheme. This scheme, with a substantial budget of ₹10,900 crore over two years, aims to:
- Accelerate EV adoption across the country.
- Establish a robust charging infrastructure network.
- Foster the growth of the EV manufacturing ecosystem in India.
A significant portion of the PM E-DRIVE budget, ₹2,000 crore, has been specifically allocated for the installation of Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations (EVPCS).
National Charging Infrastructure Guidelines
The Ministry of Power (MoP) has also played a crucial role by issuing “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024” on September 17, 2024. These guidelines establish standards and protocols to ensure the development of a connected and interoperable EV charging infrastructure network across India.
Expanding Charging Network
According to the MoP 25,202 EVPCS have been installed nationwide. Specifically, 271 EVPCS have been installed in Chhattisgarh.
NITI Aayog has provided insights into the complexities of determining charging infrastructure needs. They emphasize that the required number of charging points depends on various evolving factors, including:
- The composition of electric vehicles on the road.
- Vehicle running patterns.
- Terrain and geography.
- Urbanization patterns.
- EV technology.
- Charging equipment technology.
Due to the dynamic nature of these factors, NITI Aayog notes that there is currently no global consensus on the optimal ratio of charging points to EVs.
The combined efforts of the MHI and MoP, through the PM E-DRIVE scheme and the national charging infrastructure guidelines, are laying a strong foundation for the growth of the EV sector in India. The increasing availability of public charging stations is expected to further encourage EV adoption and contribute to a cleaner transportation future.
