PM E-DRIVE Scheme 

The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme has replaced FAME-II, shifting India's approach toward public transport electrification and EV infrastructure expansion. 

*It holds significance for UPSC Prelims & Mains, particularly in Governance, Environmental Policies, Disaster Management, and Economic Sustainability.

Key Facts & Features

📌 Launch Year: April 2024 

📌 Budget Allocation: ₹10,900 crore 

📌 Duration: Two years (April 2024–March 2026) 

📌 Focus Areas: 

 ✔ Deployment of 14,028 Electric Buses 

 ✔ Establishment of 72,000 EV Charging Stations 

 ✔ Energy Security & Sustainable Transport 

 ✔ Scrappage Incentive for Old ICE Buses

📌 Exclusions: No subsidies for private electric cars, unlike FAME-II. 

📌 Subsidy Mechanism: Aadhaar-based authentication, e-voucher generation, selfie verification. 📌 New Segments Introduced: e-Trucks & e-Ambulances (₹500 crore allocated).

Prelims-Focused MCQs: 

✅ Which scheme replaced FAME-II? → PM E-DRIVE 

✅ What does PM E-DRIVE exclude? → Private electric cars 

✅ Which city gets the highest e-bus allocation? → Bengaluru (4,500 buses) 

✅ What percentage of EV charging stations will be highway-based? → 40%

UPSC Mains Notes: Analytical Framework

1. Governance & Policy Framework (GS Paper 2)

• Government Interventions – Led by Ministry of Heavy Industries, showcasing public sector infrastructure development.

• Federal Coordination – Involves multiple ministries (Petroleum, Transport, Energy), demonstrating inter-ministerial collaboration.

• Urban Mobility & Public Transport – Strengthens Smart Cities Mission, focusing on sustainable transport infrastructure.

2. Environmental & Climate Change Policies (GS Paper 3)

• National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) – Enhancing India’s EV ecosystem for fossil fuel reduction.

• FAME-II Integration – Builds on FAME objectives, shifting toward public transport incentives instead of individual vehicle subsidies.

• Carbon Emission Reduction – Contributes to India’s net-zero targets by replacing ICE buses with electric alternatives.

3. Disaster Management & Infrastructure Resilience (GS Paper 3)

• Energy Security During Disasters – 72,000 EV chargers ensure alternative transport during fuel crises.

• Climate Adaptation Measures – Reduce air pollution, urban heat islands, and support green infrastructure.

• Emergency Response Integration – Electric buses can be deployed for evacuation & relief operations in urban emergencies.

Comparative Analysis | PM E-DRIVE vs. FAME-II

Feature	PM E-DRIVE (2024–2026)	FAME-II (2019–2024)
Budget	₹10,900 crore	₹11,500 crore
Target Audience	Public transport & commercial EVs	Private & public EVs
New Segments	e-Ambulances & e-Trucks (₹500 Cr)	No such support
Charging Infrastructure	72,000 EV chargers	2,877 stations
Subsidy Model	Aadhaar authentication, e-voucher, selfie verification	Traditional model
Private EV Subsidies	❌ Not Included	✅ Included

Conclusion: Why UPSC Aspirants Should Know PM E-DRIVE?

• Smart Urban Infrastructure – Strengthening India’s EV policy, sustainable transport, & energy security.

• Economic & Climate Resilience – Aligning with India’s net-zero carbon commitment.

• Policy Innovation – Federal coordination & inter-ministerial collaboration boost efficient governance.