Government Extends PM E-DRIVE Scheme by Two Years to March 2028.

The Indian government has announced a two-year extension of the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, extending its validity from March 31, 2026, to March 31, 2028. This extension aims to bolster the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in public and essential services, including electric buses, trucks, and ambulances, while maintaining the original budget allocation of ₹10,900 crore.

      - The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) confirmed that the PM E-DRIVE scheme will now conclude on March 31, 2028, or until the allocated budget of ₹10,900 crore is fully utilized. This extension focuses on segments such as electric buses, trucks, ambulances, and public charging infrastructure.

      - Despite the extended timeline, the government has clarified that no additional financial resources will be allocated to the scheme. The existing budget will be utilized to complete pending projects and support the continued adoption of electric vehicles in the specified segments.

      - The extension does not apply to subsidies for electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws), electric three-wheelers (e-3Ws), registered e-rickshaws, and e-carts. Incentives for these categories will conclude on March 31, 2026, as per the original scheme guidelines.The extended scheme aims to address challenges faced by the heavy-duty EV sector, including high initial costs, limited charging infrastructure, and the need for specialized skills in operation and maintenance. By extending the scheme's validity, the government seeks to provide additional support to these segments.

Main Point :-   (i) A significant portion of the scheme's budget is allocated to the development of public charging infrastructure. The government plans to install a substantial number of fast chargers for electric vehicles, aiming to enhance the accessibility and convenience of EV charging across the country.

      (ii) The implementation of the extended scheme will be closely monitored to ensure effective utilization of the allocated funds. The MHI will oversee the progress of ongoing projects and ensure that the objectives of the scheme are met within the extended timeframe.

(iii) The two-year extension of the PM E-DRIVE scheme reflects the government's commitment to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in India, particularly in the public and essential services sectors. While maintaining the original budget, the extension aims to address sector-specific challenges and promote the development of necessary infrastructure to support the growing EV ecosystem.
About the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI)