A new scheme to fast-track the adoption of electric vehicles in the country has got a final go-ahead from the Union Cabinet headed by the prime minister, Narendra Modi. PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement or PM E-DRIVE will be implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and entail an outlay of ₹10,900 crore over the next two years. This new scheme is supposed to replace the earlier FAME India Phase II scheme with revised benefits and a greater focus on the penetration of EVs in both urban and rural areas.
₹4,391 crore to purchase electric buses
₹3,679 crore in incentive on subsidy and demand for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, e-ambulances, and e-truck under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme.
The scheme is expected to support:
- 24.79 lakh electric two-wheelers
- 3.16 lakh electric three-wheelers
- 14,028 electric buses
This plan has also earmarked ₹500 crore to acquire e-ambulances, in order to expand its emergency medical transportation, and ₹4,391 crore to purchase electric buses, primarily for public transportation.
City and State Integration
E-buses in nine major cities with over 40 lakh populations, namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad. this will undertake the procurment-related work while intercity and interstate e-bus operations shall be undertaken in consultations with State Governments.
E-Voucher System for EV Buyers
The hallmark feature to introduce orderly subsidies for the buyers is the introduction of an e-voucher system under PM E-DRIVE. An e-voucher linked to Aadhaar will be generated on the portal at 'Point of Sale', which should be signed by both the buyer and the dealer. The e-voucher thus sent by SMS will be utilized for claiming the incentive provided by the government.
Inputs by Agencies
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