Government rolls out 100% subsidy for EV charging infrastructure under PM E-Drive

India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is set for a major boost with the government announcing 100 per cent subsidy support for EV charging infrastructure under the PM E-DRIVE scheme.

With a strong focus on urban centres, highways, and clean energy goals, the Rs 10,000-crore scheme aims to make EV adoption easier and faster by eliminating one of the biggest hurdles — charging accessibility.

By offering subsidies for both public charging stations and battery swapping facilities, the government is laying the foundation for a nationwide EV-ready ecosystem.

 

Rs 10,000-crore scheme with special focus on charging

Out of the total Rs 10,000-crore allocation, around Rs 2,000 crore has been set aside specifically for charging infrastructure.

The subsidies will cover:

Upstream infrastructure costs like transformers, cables, fencing, circuit breakers, and civil works.

EV Supply Equipment (EVSE), including charging guns and chargers, in specific cases.

This dual support ensures that both hardware and infrastructure costs are reduced, making charging stations financially viable.

 

Who can avail the subsidy?

The scheme guidelines released on September 28, 2025, clearly outline eligible entities. These include:

Central ministries and central public sector undertakings (CPSEs) in the areas of petroleum & natural gas, road transport, power, railways, civil aviation, housing & urban affairs, and ports.

Public sector companies such as IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, NHAI, AAI, SAIL, CONCOR, CESL, and metro rail corporations.

State governments and Union Territories, which must designate nodal agencies to aggregate demand and propose sites.

These entities can either set up, operate, and maintain EV charging stations themselves, or appoint charge point operators (CPOs).

 

Priority cities and locations for EV chargers

The PM E-DRIVE scheme ensures that charging infrastructure is installed where demand is highest and EV adoption is likely to accelerate fastest. The priority locations include:

Cities with over one million population (2011 Census data).

Smart cities identified by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

Satellite towns connected to major metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad.

State and UT capitals not covered under these categories.

Cities under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

In addition, states and UTs can propose charging stations in other cities where EV penetration is increasing.

EV-ready highways

To address range anxiety during long-distance travel, the scheme also includes charging infrastructure on inter-city and inter-state highways.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), in consultation with state agencies, will help identify priority routes for charger deployment. This will make long EV journeys smoother and more reliable.

E-Vroooom’s views

India’s 100% subsidy for EV charging is a visionary step.

If executed efficiently, the 100 per cent subsidy for EV charging infrastructure under PM E-Drive will accelerate EV adoption, strengthen infrastructure, reduce pollution, and position India as a global clean mobility leader.