India's journey toward a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future has many moving parts—but few are as pivotal as the FAME India Scheme. Short for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, this government initiative is at the heart of India's mission to reduce vehicular emissions, cut down fossil fuel consumption, and transform the nation's transport sector.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the FAME India Scheme: what it is, who it benefits, how it works, and why it matters—especially if you’re a citizen, EV enthusiast, policymaker, or entrepreneur in the green mobility space.
🔍 What is the FAME India Scheme?
The FAME India Scheme is a flagship program under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP). Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, the scheme provides financial incentives to promote the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles across India.
The scheme is being implemented in two phases:
FAME Phase I (April 2015 to March 2019)
FAME Phase II (April 2019 to March 2024, extended further)
Each phase builds upon the previous one, expanding its scope, budget, and impact.
🎯 Key Objectives of the FAME India Scheme
The FAME Scheme is more than just subsidies—it’s a multi-pronged push toward a cleaner future. The key objectives include:
Boosting EV Adoption: Encourage individuals and public transport operators to choose electric over traditional ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles.
Reducing Air Pollution: Cut down on carbon emissions and particulate matter in urban areas.
Lowering Oil Imports: Decrease India's dependency on crude oil imports.
Creating Local Jobs: Promote domestic manufacturing of EVs and components.
Building EV Infrastructure: Support the creation of robust and accessible charging infrastructure nationwide.
🔑 Major Features of FAME Phase I and Phase II
🚦 FAME Phase I (2015–2019)
Budget: Rs. 895 crores
Focus: Demand generation, technology development, pilot projects, and charging infrastructure.
Achievements:
Supported over 2.8 lakh EVs
Approved 520 charging stations
⚡ FAME Phase II (2019–2024)
Budget Allocation: Rs. 10,000 crores
Focus Areas: Mass adoption, especially for public transport and commercial fleets
Targets under Phase II:
10 lakh e-2 wheelers
5 lakh e-3 wheelers
55,000 e-4 wheelers
7,000 e-buses
Incentives Structure:
Subsidies based on battery capacity (e.g., ₹15,000 per kWh for e-2 wheelers)
Vehicles must meet certain performance and efficiency criteria
Inclusion of BSNL, REIL, and other agencies to set up charging infrastructure
✅ Eligibility Criteria for FAME Benefits
Not everyone or every vehicle qualifies for FAME incentives. Here’s what you need to know:
Who Can Benefit:
Individual Consumers: Purchasing eligible electric two-wheelers or cars.
Fleet Operators: Taxi services, logistics companies, and aggregators.
State Transport Undertakings (STUs): For procuring electric buses.
Manufacturers: Those producing EVs that meet scheme specifications.
Vehicle Categories Covered:
Electric 2-wheelers (bikes, scooters)
Electric 3-wheelers (autos, cargo)
Electric 4-wheelers (cars, taxis)
Electric Buses
Hybrid Vehicles (only select types under Phase I)
📈 Benefits of the FAME India Scheme
The scheme is a game-changer in more ways than one:
💰 Direct Financial Support
Lowers the upfront cost of EVs, making them more accessible to average consumers.
🌱 Environmental Gains
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, drastically improving urban air quality.
🇮🇳 Economic Impact
Encourages domestic EV manufacturing under "Make in India."
Generates employment in EV assembly, battery tech, and charging stations.
🔋 Infrastructure Boost
Supports installation of public charging stations, helping solve range anxiety.
🌍 Energy Security
Reduces India's reliance on imported fossil fuels, strengthening economic resilience.
🔌 EV Charging Infrastructure Under FAME
Infrastructure is the backbone of EV adoption, and FAME II puts a heavy emphasis on building it:
Target: 2,700+ charging stations across India
Locations: Highways, major cities, smart cities, and public parking spaces
Types of Chargers:
Fast chargers (DC)
Slow/Standard chargers (AC)
Private Sector Participation: Encouraged through PPP (Public-Private Partnership) models
🏙️ City-Level Implementation
States and cities have a major role in FAME’s success. Cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Ahmedabad are leading the way with:
EV-friendly policies
Dedicated EV zones
Fleet electrification targets for taxis and delivery services
Some cities are piloting battery-swapping stations and EV-only lanes as part of their mobility strategy.
📢 Recent Updates and Announcements
As of 2024, the government is pushing for:
Further extension of FAME Phase II beyond March 2024
Increased subsidies for electric two-wheelers due to rising popularity
Integration with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for batteries and EVs
A potential FAME Phase III, focusing on:
Rural EV penetration
Battery recycling policies
Heavy-duty EV segments (trucks, tractors)
🚀 Challenges and Road Ahead
Key Challenges:
High Battery Costs: Still a barrier despite subsidies.
Limited Charging Network: Especially outside urban areas.
Consumer Awareness: Many buyers remain skeptical about EV range and performance.
What’s Needed:
Battery Recycling and Reuse Regulations
Expanded Incentive Models: Cover more vehicle types, especially commercial fleets.
Training Programs: For EV servicing and maintenance jobs
🔚 Final Thoughts
The FAME India Scheme is not just a policy—it’s a movement toward redefining how India moves. By making electric vehicles more affordable and accessible, it paves the way for a sustainable transportation future.
Whether you're a consumer, a business owner, or a policymaker, the time to plug into the electric future is now. The FAME Scheme offers a rare blend of financial incentive and environmental impact—both critical to India’s 21st-century aspirations.
Stay informed, consider an EV for your next vehicle, and be part of India's green mobility revolution.
Note: For the latest updates on the FAME India Scheme, visit your nearest EV dealer or the official Ministry of Heavy Industries portal.
Read about Top 10 Environmental Schemes Launched by the Indian Government - here
Got more questions about Indian government processes and schemes? Ask Jaankaar Bharat below
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