GS3 🔬 Science & Technology

PM E-DRIVE

/piː ɛm iː draɪv/

PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement -- India's flagship scheme for electric vehicle adoption, approved on 11 September 2024 with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore, replacing FAME-II; provides demand incentives for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-trucks, e-ambulances, and e-buses, along with dedicated funding for 88,500 EV public charging station locations. Extended to 31 March 2028 (August 2025) for e-buses, e-trucks, e-ambulances, and charging infrastructure.

Context & Background

PM E-DRIVE represents a shift from FAME-II's narrower focus to a broader EV ecosystem approach, including freight vehicles and emergency services; India's 4W EV penetration crossed 4.6% in FY26 (from below 3% in FY25), while 2W EV penetration reached 6.6% of total 2W sales.

UPSC Exam Relevance

GS3 (Science & Technology, Environment, Economy). Prelims: outlay (Rs 10,900 crore), approval (September 2024), replaces FAME-II, coverage (24.7 lakh e-2Ws). Mains: India's EV transition strategy, charging infrastructure challenges, environmental benefits vs lifecycle costs.