In EV Push, Centre Mulling To Electrify Its Own Fleet

In an effort to promote faster adoption and penetration of zero emission vehicles, the central government is planning to convert its own transport fleet into electric vehicles. 

Speaking at the FICCI National Conference on Electric Vehicles held yesterday (November 19), Tarun Kapoor, advisor to the Prime Minister’s office, said that they will try to encourage government purchases for EVs.

Additionally, the central government will also provide interest-free loans to states, assisting them in electrifying their government fleets.

“From the government side also, we now want to focus on driving this sector so that not only do we have more and more electric cars, buses and two-wheelers on the road, but we also become a manufacturing hub for the world,” Kapoor added.

He also highlighted the need to lower the goods and services tax (GST) on electric vehicle (EV) batteries and charging infrastructure to increase EV adoption in the country. 

Along with this the government is also looking to electrify all ambulances in the country.

“The Prime Minister has said that ambulances should be converted… I requested that industry must develop some good ambulances…so that is one area where (the) government would provide funds,” he added. 

This comes at a time when the government is making several efforts to boost EV adoption in the country.

Earlier this month, union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal urged industry players to ensure quick transition to electric mobility to achieve India’s goal of 100% electric vehicle nation. 

Addressing the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, Goyal also urged the government bodies, including DPIIT and industry associations to invite global companies from Germany, Japan and Korea to start producing EVs in India.

In September, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) notified the INR 10,900 Cr PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme. 

The central government is also looking to provide subsidies for setting up two and three-wheeler charging stations. The Centre also claims that up to 80% of back-end infrastructure development cost will be subsidised under the PM E-DRIVE scheme.