Centre details Subsidy Framework, New guidelines to boost EV charging infrastructure

The Centre has outlined a comprehensive subsidy structure to boost the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, aimed at speeding up EV adoption across the country. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has clarified that subsidies will vary depending on the nature and ownership of the locations where charging stations are installed.

Under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, the subsidy structure varies based on the type of location. Category A includes government premises that allow free public access, where 100 per cent subsidy is provided on both upstream electrical infrastructure and EVSE. Category B covers government-owned or government-managed locations in cities and along highways—such as railway stations, Airports Authority of India–operated airports, PSU fuel outlets, state transport bus depots, metro stations, municipal parking lots, public sector ports, and NHAI or state-managed toll plazas and way-side amenities. These sites are eligible for 80 per cent subsidy on upstream infrastructure and 70 per cent on EVSE. Category C includes all other public areas such as city streets, shopping malls, market complexes, and various highway locations, where 80 per cent subsidy is offered on the upstream infrastructure. Category D covers battery swapping stations (BSS) and battery charging stations (BCS) at any location, which also receive 80 per cent subsidy on upstream infrastructure.

The government has said these incentives, combined with the recently issued installation and operational guidelines for EV charging stations, will ensure rapid, standardised, and accessible expansion of charging networks nationwide.