PM E‑DRIVE Scheme: India’s First-Ever E‑Truck Incentive Mission
India launches PM E‑DRIVE to boost electric truck adoption with incentives up to ₹9.6 lakh per vehicle under a ₹500 crore clean mobility initiative.
What is PM E‑DRIVE?
PM E‑DRIVE (Electric Development for Revolutionising Industrial Vehicles & Efficiency) is a newly launched government incentive scheme aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric trucks in India. It is part of India’s broader green mobility and Net Zero 2070 commitment.
Highlights
Backed by the larger ₹10,900 crore EV ecosystem policy
Launched in 2025 under the Ministry of Heavy Industries
Incentive up to ₹9.6 lakh per electric truck
₹500 crore allocated specifically for e-truck subsidies
First Implementation
Other PSU and private logistic companies are expected to follow.
Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) will be among the first to procure 150 e-trucks through this scheme.
Objectives
Boost adoption of EVs in logistics and infrastructure-heavy industries.
Reduce dependency on diesel-based heavy commercial vehicles.
Cut down carbon emissions in industrial transport.
Promote ‘Make in India’ in the electric commercial vehicle sector.
How the Incentive Works
Govt launches scheme to incentivise electric trucks by up to Rs 9.6 lakh under PM E-DRIVE
Further guidelines are expected to be released via the National Automotive Board.
The subsidy is applied upfront during the truck purchase.
Manufacturers and buyers must meet specific FAME-like eligibility norms (battery capacity, range, etc.)+
Expected Impact
| Metric | Target Outcome |
|---|---|
| CO₂ Emission Reduction | Over 5 lakh tonnes annually |
| Diesel Savings | 30 crore litres/year |
| Industry Growth | Boost to EV manufacturing, battery, and charging infra |
| Employment | Jobs in EV logistics, service, and tech sectors |
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches PM E‑DRIVE Scheme
In a major step toward sustainable transport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the PM E‑DRIVE scheme, India’s first dedicated incentive program for electric trucks. The launch symbolizes the government’s commitment to green mobility and a cleaner industrial future. With a vision to reduce carbon emissions and promote indigenous electric vehicle manufacturing, PM Modi emphasized that this scheme will not only support logistics modernization but also generate employment across the EV value chain. The moment, marked by the ceremonial flagging off of e‑trucks, reflects India’s resolve to lead in clean and self-reliant transport innovation.
PM Modi Unveils PM E‑DRIVE — A New Era of Clean Industrial Transport
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the PM E‑DRIVE scheme in a landmark moment that signals India’s bold commitment to green industrial mobility. Standing beside the country’s first fleet of domestically manufactured electric trucks, PM Modi described the scheme as a “historic move toward sustainable logistics and Atmanirbhar Bharat.” The launch event was attended by key industry leaders, cabinet ministers, and public sector officials, highlighting a cross-sector alignment in the push for zero-emission transport solutions.
In his address, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that the scheme not only reflects India’s ambition to become a global leader in electric vehicle technology but also ensures job creation, investment growth, and energy security. With the first 150 electric trucks being procured by SAIL (Steel Authority of India Ltd.), the scheme demonstrates immediate action, not just policy promises. As the green flag waved to flag off the trucks, the message was clear: India is driving into the future—clean, electric, and self-reliant.
A Green Flag for India’s Electric Future – PM Modi Launches PM E‑DRIVE
In a symbolic and powerful gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi waved the green flag to launch the PM E‑DRIVE initiative, ushering in a new era of clean, electric-heavy mobility in India. This scheme is the country’s first dedicated push to bring electric trucks onto the roads at scale—an ambitious move under India’s Net Zero 2070 vision. The event, held in Delhi with live satellite participation from industrial zones, was more than a policy announcement—it was a national call to embrace sustainable transport, clean energy, and innovation.
As Modi stood before a gleaming electric truck built under the “Make in India” vision, he emphasized that the PM E‑DRIVE isn’t just about technology—it’s about creating jobs, protecting the environment, and making India future-ready. The scheme’s rollout begins with 150 e-trucks by SAIL, but it sets the stage for hundreds more in logistics, mining, and freight. A moment both symbolic and strategic, this launch is a defining chapter in India’s green development journey.
PM E‑DRIVE Scheme: India’s First-Ever E‑Truck Incentive Mis
1. What is the PM E‑DRIVE Scheme?
The PM E‑DRIVE (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) is a Government of India initiative to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles, especially electric trucks (e-trucks), by offering direct incentives to buyers.
2. When was it launched?
The scheme was officially launched in July 2025, and it runs from October 2024 to March 2026.
3. Who is eligible for the e-truck incentives?
Any buyer (individual, fleet operator, PSU, private company) purchasing eligible electric trucks in N2 (3.5–12 tonnes) or N3 (12–55 tonnes) categories.
Incentives are available only if the buyer scraps an existing ICE truck of equal or higher GVW.
4. How much is the incentive amount?
The incentive is the lowest of the following:
₹5,000 per kWh battery capacity
10% of ex-factory vehicle price (excluding trailer)
A fixed cap based on truck weight:
GVW Range
Max Incentive (₹)
3.5 – 7.5 tonnes
₹2.7 lakh
7.5 – 12 tonnes
₹3.6 lakh
12 – 18.5 tonnes
₹7.8 lakh
18.5 – 35 tonnes
₹9.6 lakh
35 – 55 tonnes
₹9.3 lakh
5. How are incentives claimed?
Discounts are applied upfront at the time of purchase.
OEMs then submit for reimbursement through an online e-voucher portal on a first-come, first-served basis.
6. Is scrapping of old trucks mandatory?
✅ Yes. Buyers must scrap a diesel/compressed gas ICE truck of equal or greater weight via a MoRTH-authorized scrappage center.
7. What performance standards do e-trucks need to meet?
Minimum driving range: 80–100 km
Top speed: ≥ 60 km/h
Energy efficiency: 150–350 kWh/100 km
Must include regenerative braking
Battery/motor warranties: 5 years
8. Are any regions prioritized?
Yes, ₹100 crore is reserved for 1,100 e-trucks in Delhi NCR to fight urban air pollution.
9. What types of trucks are excluded?
Articulated N3 trucks are allowed only for the puller/tractor unit (not the trailer).
Retrofitted or non-type-approved EVs are not eligible.
10. How does it compare to FAME?
FAME II supported buses, 2Ws, 3Ws, and cars, but not e-trucks.
PM E‑DRIVE is the first truck-specific buyer-facing subsidy, targeting freight emissions directly.
