Government issues guidelines to set up 72,300 EV charging stations under PM E-Drive scheme

NEW DELHI, Sep 29 — The Indian government has released new guidelines for establishing 72,300 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country under the recently launched PM E-Drive scheme, which has a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore. The initiative aims to significantly expand the nation’s EV infrastructure and support the transition to clean mobility.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) announced the guidelines as part of efforts to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and address concerns over charging accessibility. The PM E-Drive scheme, approved in March 2024, is designed to boost the number of public charging stations in urban and rural areas, on highways, and at key transport nodes.

According to the released framework, the plan prioritises deployment in cities with populations above 400,000, state and national highways, and key commercial and residential hubs. The guidelines outline technical standards, eligibility criteria for applicants, and the process for availing financial assistance. Of the total fund allocation, a major portion will be used as subsidies to encourage public and private players to set up charging points.

The scheme targets the installation of 72,300 public charging stations over the next few years, with a focus on both slow and fast chargers to cater to different vehicle segments, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars, and buses. The government aims to ensure that at least one charging station is available every 3 km in cities and every 25 km along highways.

Why this matters:
India’s EV market is growing rapidly, but a lack of widespread and reliable charging infrastructure has been a significant barrier to mass adoption. By providing clear guidelines and financial incentives, the government hopes to create a robust charging network, reduce range anxiety among potential EV buyers, and support its broader goals of reducing vehicular emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

Details:

• The PM E-Drive scheme will be implemented through a mix of central and state government agencies, municipal bodies, and private sector entities.
• Financial incentives will cover up to 80% of the cost of charger installation, subject to caps specified in the guidelines.
• Preference will be given to proposals that ensure interoperability, renewable energy integration, and adherence to safety and quality standards.
• The guidelines also recommend integrating charging stations with digital payment platforms and real-time information systems to improve user convenience.

No direct expert quotes found in the original source.

TL;DR:
The Indian government has issued detailed guidelines for installing over 72,000 EV charging stations under the ₹10,900 crore PM E-Drive scheme, aiming to address infrastructure gaps and accelerate electric vehicle adoption nationwide.

Sources

• google.com, 2024-09-29, Read original

The new guidelines released by the Government of India under the PM E-Drive Scheme outline a phased installation of 72,300 public EV charging stations across major cities, highways, and expressways. With a total budget allocation of ₹10,900 crore, the scheme prioritizes metropolitan areas and key transport corridors to boost electric vehicle adoption and address range anxiety. The guidelines also specify technical standards for chargers, incentives for private sector participation, and provisions for renewable energy integration to ensure sustainable and accessible charging infrastructure nationwide.

The Government of India’s newly released EV charging guidelines aim to accelerate the installation of 72,300 public charging stations across the country under the ₹10,900 crore PM E-Drive Scheme. The guidelines detail technical standards, site selection criteria, and incentives to promote both fast and slow chargers in urban and rural areas. The initiative targets highways, metro cities, and tier-2 and tier-3 towns to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles. The scheme also encourages private sector participation and mandates interoperability for seamless user experience, aligning with India’s broader goal of reducing carbon emissions and achieving 30% EV penetration by 2030.

Sources & quotes

• Publishing domain: google.com
• Published date: 2025-09-29T12:46:40+05:30
• Original URL: Read original (news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi4AFBVV95cUxNSEMzdzhOdE5BZEhtcEpYSFV3ZW10c… …)

Editorial Check

• Originality: 40 / 100 — The article mainly summarizes a government press release without unique analysis.
• Helpfulness: 85 / 100 — It provides key details about new EV charging infrastructure and government policy relevant to Indian EV readers.