Are you considering getting an electric bike but waiting for the right time? The government’s PM E-DRIVE initiative may be just what you need. This modern program by the Indian administration not only seeks to reduce carbon footprints, but it also encourages citizens to transition towards sustainable travel through generous rewards.
Here's everything you need to know regarding this scheme – its benefits, eligibility, and application process, as well as how to get your EV subsidy effortlessly. If you're pondering over an EV tax benefit, or perhaps you're soon-to-be electric motorcycle owner looking out for deals up this guide has got your back.
As a continuation of support for fostering India's EV transformation, the Government has recently introduced the PM E-Drive scheme in place of FAME-II, which was discontinued in September 2024. As electric vehicles are increasingly becoming omnipresent, their full form seems flashy: PM Electric-Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement. Its purpose is straightforward—enhancing infrastructure while boosting manufacturing and ensuring local production of EVs.
The scheme runs from October 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026, and aims primarily at encouraging the adoption of EVs in both the public and commercial sectors by providing direct subsidies for acquiring electric vehicles.
Also Read: Delhi EV Policy 2.0: A Smarter City Ride Is Coming Your Way
If you're planning to invest in an electric vehicle and are curious whether you qualify for the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, you're not alone. Many people ask, "Can I get a government subsidy on electric vehicles?” The good news is that this scheme is designed to support individual buyers and businesses looking to embrace electric mobility, but with some important conditions. Here’s who qualifies under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme:
Are you cherishing an affordable, sleek ride for yourself? Enjoy a slender, sustainable commute? The electric scooters and bikes have got you covered as they qualify fully for the subsidy. But there’s a catch: they must be fitted with advanced lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid models or older battery types won’t cut. If you’re purchasing one for personal or commercial use, and it meets this criterion, you’re in!
Tip: If you're a first-time buyer, you can claim the subsidy only for one e-2-wheeler. So make that choice count!
Popular in urban and semi-urban areas for last-mile delivery and public transport, e-3 wheelers are a major focus of this electric vehicle scheme in India. The scheme supports passenger and cargo models as long as they are registered and have advanced batteries. Small businesses and commercial traders will find these two-wheelers fundamental for their daily operations; hence, qualifying them for specific electric vehicle subsidies makes sound sense.
With cities aiming to reduce noise and pollution levels, e-buses are becoming vital for public transport. Under PM E-DRIVE, registered state transport units (STUs) and public agencies can procure e-buses using a substantial government subsidy on electric vehicles. Whether you’re running a city fleet or an intercity route, if you’re a public transport agency, this is a huge win.
Trucks may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to EVs, but they’re some of the biggest contributors to urban air pollution. The scheme supports the transition of goods transport fleets to electric vehicles by offering subsidies for e-trucks. And if your truck has a vehicle scrapping certificate from a government-approved facility, you can also earn bonus incentives.
An exciting new addition! The scheme also promotes e-ambulances to modernise emergency medical transport. With Rs. 500 crore allocated for this alone, it’s a step forward for mobility and public health. These ambulances must also meet technical criteria and run on advanced batteries to qualify for the electric vehicle subsidy India supports.
It's not just about the vehicles. If you’re a company involved in building EV charging stations, you also fall under this umbrella. The scheme supports setting up charging points on highways, cities, and near commercial zones, solving the infamous range anxiety issue.
To ensure safety and quality standards, recognised testing agencies helping validate EV technologies are eligible for funding support to upgrade their infrastructure. This is crucial in scaling green mobility under the pm drive plan.
This isn't just a discount—it's a massive boost. Here’s what the PM drive scheme brings to the table:
The scheme provides incentives up to:
Subsidies vary by vehicle type and battery capacity but are designed to cover a substantial part of your cost.
The best part? You don't have to fill out a mountain of paperwork. You’ll get an e-voucher right at the dealer’s desk. Verify your Aadhaar; a unique voucher will be sent to your mobile.
Imagine cities filled with low-noise, zero-emission ambulances and trucks. The PM Drive initiative allocates Rs.500 crore each for its promotion.
Over 14,000 e-buses will be procured for urban use, with Rs.4,391 crore set aside. This boosts public transport in top cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Range anxiety? Not anymore. The scheme supports the installation of:
Want to know how subsidized these bikes are? Check out this table!
| Vehicle Type | Subsidy (FY 2024–25) | Cap Amount |
|---|---|---|
| e-2 Wheelers | Rs.5,000/kWh | Max Rs.10,000 |
| e-3 Wheelers | Rs.5,000/kWh | Max Rs.50,000 |
| e-Buses | Rs.10,000/kWh | Up to Rs.35 lakh |
Note: Subsidy rates will be halved in FY 2025–26, so now is the best time to act.
Let’s break it down. Here’s how to claim your electric vehicle subsidy in India.
Visit your EV dealer and confirm that the vehicle qualifies under the PM drive scheme.
Your dealer will use facial recognition to verify your identity on the PM e-drive portal.
Once verified, an e-voucher will be sent to your phone. This voucher is your proof of eligibility.
The dealer applies the subsidy directly to your invoice. No waiting, no confusion.
Behind the scenes, your Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) claims the money back from the government—easy for them, stress-free for you.
Claiming your EV subsidy through the PM E-DRIVE Scheme is now a digital, hassle-free process. This is how it operates:
The broader mission of the PM E-DRIVE scheme is to supercharge India’s electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem. With demand-side incentives, it aims to support the deployment of:
So, what’s stopping you? The PM E-DRIVE Scheme is one of the most accessible and beneficial EV schemes the country has seen. Now is your moment if you’ve ever thought about switching to electric. The electric vehicle tax benefit, pm drive incentives, and easy process make this transition smoother.
For those eager to make that switch, stylish and sustainably minded motorcycles like Revolt RV400, available with a 3-year/40,000 km warranty, are poised to offer performance alongside looks.
Go ahead, make the switch. Let the future ride with you.
