CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
India has rolled out its first customer-oriented subsidy programme for electric trucks, as part of the PM E-DRIVE initiative. This new scheme offers financial assistance of up to Rupees 9.6 lakh per truck, aiming to promote the adoption of electric freight vehicles across key sectors such as logistics, ports, cement, and steel. It represents a significant move toward sustainable freight mobility and supports India’s broader ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
Government Vision And Motivation
Diesel-powered trucks are a major source of environmental pollution. Though they account for only 3% of India’s total vehicle population, they are responsible for around 42% of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this incentive marks the first direct financial support for electric trucks and aligns with the vision of a cleaner, developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
Scheme Highlights And Eligibility
From the total Rupees 10,900 crore budget of PM E-DRIVE, Rupees 500 crore has been set aside exclusively for electric trucks. The incentive is applicable to up to 5,600 vehicles, and the maximum subsidy of Rupees 9.6 lakh per truck will be offered as an upfront discount through manufacturers. Importantly, to avail the incentive, buyers are required to scrap older, polluting trucks. The scheme targets N2 and N3 categories, which cover trucks with gross vehicle weights between 3.5 tonnes and 55 tonnes.
Emphasis On Local Production And Reliability
In line with the Make in India initiative, the scheme encourages domestic production through a phased manufacturing programme that limits the use of imported components. Eligible manufacturers must offer battery warranties for five years or 5 lakh kilometres, and vehicle and motor warranties for five years or 2.5 lakh kilometres. Several domestic Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have already begun producing electric trucks to meet expected demand.
Industry Uptake And Environmental Impact
Core industrial sectors stand to gain from this policy. For instance, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has committed to adding 150 electric trucks over the next two years and aims for 15% electrification of its hired fleet. The initiative is expected to reduce logistics costs, create green employment opportunities, and significantly improve air quality, particularly in pollution-affected areas such as Delhi, where the deployment of 1,100 electric trucks is planned.
Broader EV Ecosystem Support
The PM E-DRIVE programme also supports other electric mobility segments. It has already exceeded targets for electric two-wheelers (e-2W) and three-wheelers (e-3W). The scheme includes plans to roll out 10,900 electric buses in urban areas and is also facilitating the introduction of electric ambulances, with safety protocols being jointly developed by the health and transport ministries.
Looking Ahead: Participation And Growth
The government is urging transport operators, OEMs, and industries to actively join the push toward electric mobility. This initiative is a crucial milestone in strengthening India’s EV infrastructure and fostering sustainable transport solutions. It not only aims to cut down pollution but also encourages domestic innovation and manufacturing in the automotive industry.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
