



Top two-wheeler makers urge govt to extend key subsidy scheme
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Bengaluru/New Delhi: The country’s largest two-wheeler makers, including Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, and TVS Motor Co., have sought an extension of the subsidies for the manufacture of electric two-wheelers beyond March this year, arguing that a fourth of the vehicles targeted are yet to claim incentives. A formal representation has been made through the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) to the ministry of heavy industries (MHI) for extending the scheme in the last few weeks, according to three executives aware of the matter.
The industry has sought the continuation of e2W subsidies under the PM E-Drive scheme because allocated funds should not remain unutilised, said the first industry executive requesting anonymity. "Some companies have stopped claiming incentives under the scheme, since they failed to meet localization criteria after the rare earth magnets supply issue. And whether they choose to claim incentives later or not, funds allocated for e2Ws will be left by March," said this executive.
Under the PM E-Drive scheme, the government set a target to incentivise the purchase of about 2.48 million e2Ws, allocating ₹1,772 crore. Two-wheeler makers can claim incentives up to ₹10,000 per scooter sold, which is over 10% of the average price of an electric scooter priced below ₹1 lakh. The government launched the ₹10,900 crore PM E-Drive scheme in September 2024 to incentivise two-wheelers, three-wheelers, electric trucks and buses, as well as charging infrastructure.
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