Daily Current Affairs : 3-October-2024
The Indian government recently launched the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme. With a financial allocation of Rs. 10,900 crore over two years, this ambitious plan aims to transform the country’s transportation sector by promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs). The initiative is a step forward in India’s efforts to reduce pollution, enhance energy efficiency, and meet climate goals.
Key Features of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme:
The PM E-DRIVE scheme has been introduced by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and replaces the earlier Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India Phase II) scheme. It is designed to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles through various incentives, subsidies, and the development of EV infrastructure.
- Financial Support: The scheme has a financial outlay of Rs. 10,900 crores for a duration of two years. This substantial investment aims to create an enabling environment for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
- Subsidies and Incentives:
- Subsidies will be provided to promote the use of electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws), three-wheelers (e-3Ws), e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging electric vehicle technologies.
- E-vouchers will be introduced for EV buyers. These Aadhaar-authenticated vouchers will help facilitate demand incentives and will be uploaded on the PM E-DRIVE portal for easy access by buyers and dealers.
Focus Areas of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme:
- Electric Buses:
- A major part of the funding, Rs. 4,391 crores, has been allocated for the procurement of 14,028 electric buses. These buses will be purchased by state transport units and will contribute to the reduction of pollution in urban areas.
- E-Ambulances:
- The scheme also provides Rs. 500 crores for the procurement of e-ambulances. These ambulances will be equipped with safety standards designed in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), ensuring that they are reliable and safe for emergency services.
- Demand Aggregation:
- The Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) will manage demand aggregation in cities with populations exceeding 40 lakh (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata). This will help streamline the purchase process and ensure the efficient distribution of electric vehicles in major cities.
Important Points:
Launch of PM E-DRIVE Scheme:
- The scheme was launched by the Indian government to promote electric vehicle adoption.
- It has a financial outlay of Rs. 10,900 crore over two years.
Key Objectives:
- Accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
- Provide incentives and build a robust EV charging infrastructure.
Replaces FAME India Phase II:
- PM E-DRIVE replaces the previous FAME India Phase II scheme.
Subsidies and Incentives:
- Subsidies for electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws), three-wheelers (e-3Ws), e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other emerging EVs.
- E-vouchers for EV buyers (Aadhaar-authenticated) to facilitate demand incentives.
Focus Areas of the Scheme:
- Electric Buses: Rs. 4,391 crore for the procurement of 14,028 e-buses by state transport units.
- E-Ambulances: Rs. 500 crore allocated for e-ambulances, with safety standards designed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
- Demand Aggregation: Managed by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) in cities with populations over 40 lakh (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata).
Impact and Goals:
- Promote cleaner, more sustainable transportation.
- Reduce carbon emissions and air pollution in urban areas.
- Encourage the adoption of electric vehicles across India.
Why In News
The government yesterday launched the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, with a financial outlay of Rs. 10,900 crore over a period of two years. This ambitious initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, contributing to India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.
MCQs about PM E-DRIVE
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Which of the following is NOT a focus area of the PM E-DRIVE scheme?
A. Electric buses
B. Electric ambulances
C. Electric trucks
D. Promotion of solar energy
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Who will manage the demand aggregation in cities with populations over 40 lakh under the PM E-DRIVE scheme?
A. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW)
B. Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI)
C. Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL)
D. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
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What is the main goal of the PM E-DRIVE scheme?
A. To promote electric vehicles and build an EV charging ecosystem
B. To promote solar energy across the country
C. To reduce the number of petrol vehicles in India
D. To provide loans to electric vehicle manufacturers
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Which of the following vehicles is specifically supported by the PM E-DRIVE scheme?
A. Diesel trucks
B. Electric three-wheelers (e-3Ws)
C. Petrol cars
D. Hybrid vehicles
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