Government Launches ₹500 Crore PM E-DRIVE Initiative to Propel E-Truck Adoption

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has initiated consultations on the ₹500 crore subsidy program under the PM E-DRIVE scheme to accelerate the adoption of electric trucks in India. The discussions aim to formulate guidelines for a seamless transition to e-trucks, marking a significant step in India's commitment to sustainable mobility.

In the inaugural meeting held on Thursday, government officials highlighted the need for collaboration among truck manufacturers, buyers, and financial institutions to expedite the transition. Key stakeholders such as the Indian Ports Association, Ashok Leyland, Tata Motors, BillionE Mobility, Olectra, Amazon, Flipkart, Switch Labs, the Murugappa Group, Volvo Eicher, and Mahindra Trucks participated.

Kamran Rizvi, Secretary of the Heavy Industries Ministry, described the initiative as India's first focused effort on e-trucks. "India is now among a select group of 5-6 countries manufacturing e-trucks, and this phase marks a new beginning. Achieving net zero emissions by 2070 requires the collective efforts of manufacturers, buyers, and banks for a smooth and rapid transition," he said.

Additional Secretary Hanif Qureshi emphasized the critical role of incentives in advancing e-trucks, pointing out that the heavy transport sector contributes 18% of pollution. E-trucks, he said, are essential for building a cleaner and greener transport network.

The PM E-DRIVE scheme seeks to promote the deployment of e-trucks across India, reinforcing the country's efforts to combat pollution and transition to sustainable mobility.