Public EV Charging Stations Cross 52,000 in India

India is rapidly expanding its public electric vehicle (EV) charging network to support the growing adoption of electric mobility. On Tuesday, the government informed Parliament that the country now has 52,718 public EV charging stations, including 16,561 fast charging stations dedicated to electric cars.

In a written reply to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma said the government is strengthening charging infrastructure across cities and national highways to reduce range anxiety among private EV users.

The minister said the Ministry of Heavy Industries has allocated ₹912.50 crore under the FAME-II scheme and ₹2,000 crore under the PM E-DRIVE scheme for setting up public EV charging stations nationwide. These initiatives aim to significantly strengthen India's charging network.

The government also stated that the Ministry of Power has issued the "Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure 2024," which provide standards for developing a connected and interoperable EV charging ecosystem, including battery swapping and charging stations.

Additionally, establishing EV charging stations has been classified as a de-licensed activity, making it easier for private entrepreneurs to invest in and develop charging infrastructure across the country.

Responding to a query on why electric cars are not directly covered under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, the government clarified that electric passenger vehicles are supported through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components. Under the scheme, eligible original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) receive financial incentives ranging from 13% to 18% on incremental sales of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) vehicles, including electric four-wheelers.

The government further highlighted that the FAME India Scheme Phase-II, implemented from April 1, 2019, to March 31, 2024, with a budget outlay of ₹11,500 crore, has supported the sale of approximately 1.672 million electric vehicles, including electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers. As of June 30, 2026, the scheme has also supported the deployment of 5,197 electric buses.

Meanwhile, the PM E-DRIVE scheme, notified on September 29, 2024, with a total outlay of ₹10,900 crore, aims to support nearly 2.83 million electric vehicles, including electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, trucks, buses and ambulances. The scheme also provides financial assistance for expanding public EV charging infrastructure and upgrading vehicle testing agencies, further accelerating India's transition towards clean mobility.