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PM E-DRIVE EV SCHEME

12th September, 2024 Economy

PM E-DRIVE EV SCHEME

 

Source: NDTV

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

Union Cabinet approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme.

PM E-DRIVE Scheme Details

  • The scheme has been proposed by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
  • The scheme has an outlay of ₹10,900 croreover two years.
  • It aims to promote electric mobility across the country.
  • The scheme will replace the existing FAME programme that ran for nine years till March, 2024.
  • However, under the scheme there is no support for electric cars.
  • It has also excluded hybrid cars.

Read about the FAME Scheme:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/fame-scheme-31

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/fame-ii-scheme

Read about Electric Vehicles: https://www.iasgyan.in/blogs/electric-vehicles-22

Key Features of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme

Feature

Description

Subsidies and Demand Incentives

Budget Allocation: ₹3,679 crore

The funds will incentivize the purchase of electric two-wheeler, three-wheelers, ambulances, trucks, and buses.

E-Vouchers for EV Buyers

Buyers will receive Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers post-purchase, sent to their registered mobile number.

E-Ambulance Deployment

Budget Allocation: ₹500 crore

Objective: To introduce eco-friendly and comfortable electric ambulances.

In consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and other stakeholders, new performance and safety standards will be established.

E-Buses for Public Transport

Budget Allocation: ₹4,391 crore

Target: Procurement of 14,028 e-buses for State Transport Undertakings and public transport agencies.

The Convergence Energy Services Limited will oversee demand aggregation in nine cities with populations over 40 lakh, such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.

Cities/states replacing old buses with electric ones under MoRTH’s Vehicle Scrapping Scheme will be prioritized.

Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) is a subsidiary of state-owned Energy Efficiency Services Limited, a joint venture of public sector companies under the Ministry of Power, Government of India. 

CESL is focused on delivering clean, affordable, and reliable energy.

Incentives for E-Trucks

Budget Allocation: ₹500 crore

Objective: Promote electric trucks to reduce air pollution.

Owners with scrapping certificates from MoRTH-authorized Vehicle Scrapping Centres will qualify for incentives.

Charging Infrastructure

Budget Allocation: ₹2,000 crore

Goal: Address range anxiety and boost EV adoption by setting up public charging stations in cities with high EV penetration and selected highways.

Sources:

EconomicTimes 

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q: Consider the following:

1.Incentives for the purchase of hybrid cars.

2.Procurement of e-buses for State Transport Undertakings.

3.Online incentives for buyers of electric cars.

Which of the above are components under the newly launched PM e-drive scheme?

a)1 and 2 only

b)2 and 3 only

c)1 and 3 only

d)1, 2 and 3

Answer: b

Explanation:

1st statement is incorrect: Hybrid vehicles are excluded from the scheme.

2nd statement is correct:  A sum of Rs.4,391 crore has been provided for procurement of 14,028 e-buses by STUs/public transport agencies. The demand aggregation will be done by CESL in the nine cities with more than 40 lakh population namely Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune and Hyderabad. Intercity and Interstate e-buses will also be supported in consultation with states.

3rd statement is correct: The scheme introduces e-vouchers for EV buyers to avail demand incentives. At the time of purchase of the EV, the scheme portal will generate an Aadhaar authenticated e-Voucher for the buyer. A link to download the e- voucher shall be sent to the registered mobile number of the buyer.