Centre Unveils Guidelines For Setting Up 72K+ Charging Stations

SUMMARY

The Centre has issued the operational rules for setting up 72,300 public EV charging stations under the PM E-DRIVE scheme

The norms recommend a tiered subsidy structure for upstream infrastructure and charging equipment

BHEL will manage deployment, focusing on major cities, highways, and public transport hubs, with funding released in two tranches upon milestone completion

The government has released detailed guidelines for establishing over 72,300 public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across India under the INR 10,900 Cr PM E-DRIVE scheme.

A PTI report said that an initial INR 2,000 Cr has been earmarked to support the rollout. The government is looking to accelerate the growth of EV infrastructure in urban centres, smart cities, key highways, and core public transport sites.

The norms recommend a tiered subsidy structure for upstream infrastructure and charging equipment. For context, upstream infrastructure refers to the resources needed before the electricity reaches the charging station. This includes power grid infrastructure which powers the charging stations.

For government properties, including offices, residential complexes, hospitals, and educational institutions, a full 100% subsidy will be provided for both upstream infrastructure and charging equipment, provided the charging points remain publicly accessible.

Other high-traffic locations, such as railway stations, airports maintained by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), public sector fuel outlets, bus terminals, metro stations, municipal parking, ports, and toll plazas managed by the public sector, will be eligible for an 80% subsidy on upstream infrastructure and a 70% subsidy for charging equipment.

Cities and highways, as well as commercial spaces like shopping malls and markets, will see an 80% subsidy for upstream infrastructure. The same subsidy rate applies to battery swapping and charging stations, regardless of site.

To manage deployment, government ministries and state authorities must designate nodal agencies to consolidate local demand and submit collective proposals to the heavy industries ministry. Locations will be prioritised based on population density, the presence of public transport hubs, and coverage along national and state highways.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) will spearhead the implementation as the project implementation agency. Fund disbursement will take place in two stages, pegged to the achievement of specific compliance and performance milestones.

The PM E-DRIVE scheme was notified by the Centre last year in October, replacing the FAME III scheme. Besides promoting adoption of EV two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars, ambulances and trucks, the scheme also focuses on upgrading the charging infrastructure in the country.

The Centre plans to target cities with high adoption of EVs in the country for installing the charging infrastructure and select highways to enhance range confidence and ease of use.

As part of the plan, the scheme would include:

22,100 fast chargers for four-wheeler EVs

1,800 chargers for ebuses

48,400 chargers for two wheeler EVs and three wheeler EVs

India had 25,202 charging stations, as of December 2024 as per government data. The upgradation of the charging infrastructure will further fuel adoption of EVs in India.

India’s EV market is expected to become a $132 Bn opportunity by 2030.