New Delhi: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said on Wednesday that the central government has set a target of establishing 5,833 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the highways out of 7,432.
Progress in EV Infrastructure: the country already boasts 5,293 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along the national highways.
Government’s Support: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stated in a written response in the Rajya Sabha that three oil marketing companies have received a capital subsidy of Rs 800 crore to build 7,432 EV charging stations.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has been instrumental in this effort, having installed 4,729 of the 5,293 EV charging stations currently in use at a cost of Rs 178 crore.
“In addition, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has set up a target of 5,833 EV charging stations along highways, out of a total of 7,432 EV charging stations, through three oil marketing companies under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas,” Minister Gadkari informed.
At present, the government has not planned to install power stations alongside national highways for EV charging stations.
Currently, Maharashtra leads the way with 750 EV charging stations, followed by Uttar Pradesh (577), Rajasthan (482), Tamil Nadu (369), Karnataka (300), and Haryana (284), showcasing a widespread distribution of these facilities.
Meanwhile, the last date of the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024, which aims to further stimulate green mobility and the development of the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing ecosystem in the country, has been fixed for July 31.
The scheme lasted four months (April 1 to July 31) and required an outlay of Rs 500 crore. The total payout under the demand incentive is limited to Rs 493.55 crore (supporting 3,72,215 vehicles).
The claims submitted under the scheme will be incentivised on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The two-wheeler industry is expected to sustain a steady volume growth rate of 7 to 9 percent in FY25.
According to CareEdge Ratings, the growth in FY25 is expected to be driven by higher electric vehicle (EV) sales supported by the government’s EMPS 2024.
–IANS
