New Delhi, March 5 -- The government has started vetting proposals from states and oil marketing companies to build EV charging stations under the Rs.10,900 crore PM E-Drive scheme. The aim to disburse Rs.80 crore for chargers by the end of FY26. Of the total outlay, Rs.2,000 crore is earmarked to support over 72,000 charging stations, with subsidy covering up to 70%-100% of infrastructure costs at public sites.

But therein lies the problem-location viability and grid access. Will PM E-Drive succeed where FAME-II fell short?

It has to, for reliable public charging infrastructure is critical if India has to to achieve 30% EV penetration across vehicle segments by 2030. As on date, that figure stands at 7.6%.

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