India, June 18 -- In a bid to accelerate the adoption of EVs in the healthcare sector, the ministry of heavy industries (MHI) has extended the benefits of the PM E-DRIVE scheme to electric ambulances (e-ambulances).

The government has set aside Rs.500 Cr under the scheme with an aim to support 3,811 electric ambulances over the next two financial years - 1,797 units in FY27 and 2,014 units in FY28.

The government's notification, issued on June 17, lays out the eligibility criteria, incentive structure, performance standards and localisation requirements for electric ambulances.

The scheme will cover three categories of e-ambulances - patient transport vehicles (Type B), basic life support (BLS) ambulances (Type C) and advanced life sup...