The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) Scheme worth Rs 5,500 crore will have a major portion for development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. It will also incorporate manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries which form the core of electric vehicles.
The FAME-II Scheme, which is still awaiting a Union cabinet approval, will see light of the day when the Phase-I gets over in March 2019, after four extensions since the rollout in April 2015. Under the scheme, while the government will provide atleast half the amount as subsidy, the remaining would come from private participation.
The government aims to have around 1,000 charging stations initially and more subsidy for construction will expedite the process, thereby encouraging consumers and especially the fleet operators in transition to e-mobility.
According to a draft note prepared by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the government plans to have one charging station at every 25 km on major highways in the country.
The Phase-II of the FAME Scheme was earlier slated for a rollout in October 2018. The scheme spanning for five years, when implemented, will offer subsidy to electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers, including taxis and electric buses, besides setting up of charging infrastructure.
The ongoing scheme offers incentives of up to Rs 29,000 for two-wheelers and up to Rs 1.3 lakh for cars.