At present, over 3.97 lakh EVs ply on the India roads.

In a bid to push for electric mobility, the government has proposed to set up electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in large cities, state capitals and smart cities.

Initially, there would be a total of 1,000 charging stations with a minimum of 6,000 chargers.

In an ambitious move, the government has mandated that all new three-wheelers sold in the country should be fully electric starting from April 1, 2023 and two-wheelers below 150 cc engine, from April 1, 2025.

At present, over 3.97 lakh EVs ply on the India roads.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has invited proposals from urban local bodies, municipal corporations, PSUs (state/central) and public/private entities, who are interested in developing EV charging infrastructure in different states and cities.

The ministry has also invited proposals from satellite towns connected to seven metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad and major cities of special category states/Union territories, and the capital city of all states/Union territories not covered in these categories.

“Initially, 1,000 EV charging stations are earmarked for deployment through this expression of interest (EOI). These EV charging stations will be sanctioned to different states/cities/entities after evaluation of the proposals received under this EOI,” the ministry said.

Wherever possible, EV charging stations should be connected with “grid-connected solar power plant” of required capacity as per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) guidelines so as to ensure grid stability and green energy for electric vehicles, it said.

The last date for submission of the proposals is August 20.

Earlier this year, the second phase of the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric vehicle) was implemented in India from April 1, 2019 with an approved budget of Rs 10,000 crore.

The FAME II scheme, that will be implemented over three years, starting from 2019 to 2022, will also offer exemption from road tax and registration charge for hybrids and EVs.

The government wants to extend the capital grants with various organisations to promote the use of EVs in the country.