Introduction
Government Subsidy for EV Charging Station in India its shift toward electric mobility, aiming for cleaner air, reduced oil imports, and a sustainable transportation system. To achieve this goal, the Indian government has introduced several initiatives and subsidies to promote the installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. The government subsidy for EV supports local manufacturing and green jobs.
Setting up an EV charging station can be a profitable and eco-friendly business opportunity, and government incentives make it even more attractive. This article provides a complete guide to government subsidies, schemes, eligibility, investment costs, and the process to set up an EV charging station in India. Many states add extra discounts on top of the central government subsidy for EV. Some states offer free registration along with the government subsidy for EV.
Why EV Charging Stations Are Important
With the rising popularity of EVs, the need for an extensive charging infrastructure has become essential. According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), India aims to have 1 charging station every 3 km in cities and every 25 km on highways. The government subsidy for EV applies to both personal and commercial buyers.
A robust charging network will not only encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles but also support the government’s “Net Zero by 2070” commitment. The government subsidy for EV makes electric two-wheelers more affordable for students.
Government Support for EV Infrastructure
The Indian government has launched several programs under the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme to boost EV adoption. In addition to FAME, multiple central and state-level policies offer financial incentives and subsidies for individuals, companies, and organizations setting up EV charging infrastructure. The government subsidy for EV encourages people to switch from petrol and diesel.
Key Government Schemes for EV Charging Stations
| Scheme Name | Implemented By | Main Benefits | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAME II Scheme | Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) | 100% financial support for government agencies and up to 70% for private entities | Active |
| National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) | Ministry of Heavy Industries | Long-term roadmap for EV promotion and infrastructure | Active |
| State EV Policies | Individual State Governments | Capital subsidies, tax exemptions, and reduced electricity tariffs | Varies by state |
FAME II Scheme
The FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles Phase II) scheme is India’s most significant initiative supporting EV infrastructure development.
Key Highlights of FAME II
-
Launched in 2019 with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore.
-
Allocated ₹1,000 crore specifically for the development of charging infrastructure.
-
Aims to support 2,700 public charging stations across major cities and highways.
-
Provides financial incentives to public and private entities involved in charging station installation.
Types of Charging Stations Covered Under FAME II
| Charging Type | Connector Standard | Power Output | Applicable Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Slow Charger | Type-2 | 3.3 kW – 22 kW | 2W, 3W, 4W |
| DC Fast Charger | CCS-2, CHAdeMO | 50 kW and above | 4W, Buses |
| Bharat DC Charger | Bharat DC-001 | 15 kW – 30 kW | 3W, 4W |
| Bharat AC Charger | Bharat AC-001 | 10 kW | 2W, 3W |
State-Wise Subsidies for EV Charging Stations
Different states in India have formulated their own EV policies with attractive subsidies for charging infrastructure.
Top States Offering Subsidies for EV Charging Stations
| State | Subsidy/Incentive | Policy Year | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 25% subsidy on equipment and installation cost | 2020 | Reduced electricity tariff for EV charging |
| Maharashtra | 25% capital subsidy up to ₹10 lakh per station | 2021 | 100% SGST reimbursement on EV equipment |
| Gujarat | 25% capital subsidy for the first 250 charging stations | 2021 | Land allocation support for charging hubs |
| Tamil Nadu | 25% subsidy for public charging stations | 2023 | 100% exemption from electricity tax for 2 years |
| Karnataka | Capital subsidy up to ₹5 lakh | 2022 | Exemption from demand charges for 2 years |
| Telangana | 25% subsidy on charging equipment | 2022 | Waiver on road tax for EV operators |
Ministry of Power Guidelines for EV Charging
The Ministry of Power (MoP) has set national guidelines to standardize the installation and operation of EV charging stations.
Key Guidelines
-
Public Charging Stations (PCS) are open to all EV users.
-
No license is required to set up a PCS under the Electricity Act, 2003.
-
Must have minimum one charger of each type (AC and DC).
-
Stations should be equipped with metering and payment systems.
-
Charging tariffs are decided by State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs).
Business Opportunity: Setting Up an EV Charging Station
Establishing an EV charging station in India can be a profitable venture. With growing EV adoption, the demand for fast and reliable charging services is set to surge. Dealers display the final price after the government subsidy for EV is applied.
Estimated Cost to Set Up a Charging Station
| Type of Charger | Estimated Cost (₹) | Suitable Location |
|---|---|---|
| AC Slow Charger | ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 | Residential/Office parking |
| DC Fast Charger | ₹5,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 | Highways/Commercial hubs |
| Battery Swapping Station | ₹10,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 | Fleet operations/Delivery hubs |
Revenue Models for EV Charging Stations
| Model | Description | Profit Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Pay-Per-Use | Users pay based on units consumed (₹/kWh) | High |
| Subscription Model | Monthly fee for unlimited or discounted charging | Medium |
| Advertising-Based | Earn from digital ads on charging station screens | Additional income |
| Partnership Model | Tie-ups with malls, petrol pumps, or companies | Long-term sustainability |
Process to Apply for Government Subsidy
Step-by-Step Procedure
-
Identify Location: Select a suitable site with sufficient parking space and grid connectivity.
-
Choose Equipment: Purchase chargers from approved OEMs listed under FAME II.
-
Apply Through Official Portal:
-
Visit the Ministry of Heavy Industries or State EV Policy portal.
-
Fill in the application form for subsidy.
-
-
Submit Documents:
-
Company registration certificate
-
GST and PAN details
-
Technical layout and equipment specifications
-
Land ownership or lease agreement
-
-
Approval and Installation: Once approved, install chargers as per BIS standards.
-
Inspection and Reimbursement: The government agency verifies installation before releasing subsidy funds.
Eligibility Criteria for Subsidy
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Applicant Type | Individual, private company, PSU, or government body |
| Minimum Chargers | At least 1 AC and 1 DC charger per station |
| Location Criteria | Within city limits, highways, or near public areas |
| Compliance | Must follow Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and MoP guidelines |
| Network Connectivity | Real-time monitoring and billing capability |
Benefits of Setting Up EV Charging Stations
Environmental Benefits
-
Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
-
Helps cut down carbon emissions
-
Promotes clean and sustainable transportation
Economic Benefits
-
Generates new employment opportunities
-
Attracts government incentives and subsidies
-
Provides high ROI with increasing EV adoption
Social Benefits
-
Encourages green mobility
-
Enhances convenience for EV users
-
Supports the development of smart cities
Challenges in Establishing EV Charging Stations
While government incentives are attractive, there are still a few challenges to consider:
-
High Initial Investment: Despite subsidies, setup costs can be significant.
-
Electricity Load Requirement: Many locations lack adequate power supply.
-
Land Availability: Urban space constraints make installation difficult.
-
Awareness and Adoption: EV usage is still growing in smaller towns.
However, with the government’s continued focus on EV policies, these challenges are being addressed progressively.
Future of EV Charging Infrastructure in India
India’s EV ecosystem is expanding rapidly. With growing demand for EVs, experts predict that the country will require over 2 million public charging stations by 2030.
Future Trends
-
Integration of solar-powered EV charging systems.
-
Development of smart charging grids with AI and IoT.
-
Emergence of battery swapping technology for two- and three-wheelers.
-
Greater participation of private companies and startups in the EV charging market.
Private Companies Offering EV Charging Solutions
Several Indian and global companies are playing a major role in expanding EV charging networks.
| Company | Service Type | Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Power EZ Charge | Public & private charging | 420+ cities |
| ChargePoint India | Smart charging solutions | Pan India |
| Statiq | Highway and city charging | 2000+ stations |
| Ather Grid | Fast chargers for 2-wheelers | 100+ cities |
| Fortum India | DC fast charging | Tier-1 cities |
| BPCL eDrive | Charging stations at fuel pumps | Expanding rapidly |
Financial Incentives Beyond Subsidies
Apart from capital subsidies, other incentives make EV infrastructure investment more appealing:
| Incentive Type | Benefit Description |
|---|---|
| GST Reduction | EV charging equipment taxed at 5% instead of 18% |
| Income Tax Benefits | Depreciation benefits on EV assets |
| Electricity Tariff Discounts | Reduced commercial tariff for charging purposes |
| Land Concessions | Priority land allocation for EV infrastructure |
Role of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
The government is encouraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to accelerate EV infrastructure rollout.
Private players can collaborate with public agencies to install and operate charging stations under a Revenue Sharing Model, ensuring sustainable business growth.
How to Get Land for Setting Up a Charging Station
Entrepreneurs can get land through the following means:
-
Private Ownership: Use self-owned land.
-
Lease Agreement: Rent land from private or public entities.
-
Government Allotment: Apply through state EV cell for land allocation under concessional rates.
Tips for a Successful EV Charging Business
-
Choose strategic locations such as malls, offices, and highways.
-
Install fast chargers for better customer satisfaction.
-
Adopt digital payment options and loyalty programs.
-
Collaborate with EV manufacturers for mutual growth.
-
Utilize renewable energy sources like solar panels to reduce operational costs.
India’s Long-Term Vision for EV Infrastructure
India aims to become a global leader in electric mobility by 2030. The government’s efforts are directed toward creating a self-reliant EV ecosystem, with local manufacturing of batteries, chargers, and vehicles under the “Make in India” initiative.
With both central and state governments offering attractive subsidies, simplified licensing, and business support, this is the ideal time for investors and entrepreneurs to enter the EV charging space.
Conclusion
The government subsidy for EV charging stations in India is a vital catalyst driving the nation’s transition to electric mobility. With the FAME II scheme, state EV policies, and supportive business environment, India is steadily building an efficient, widespread, and sustainable EV charging network. The government subsidy for EV is applied automatically at the time of purchase.
Entrepreneurs who take advantage of these subsidies today can not only benefit financially but also contribute to India’s green future. As EV adoption accelerates, the demand for charging stations will skyrocket—making this a perfect time to invest in the electric revolution. The government subsidy for EV aims to reduce air pollution in cities.