In a major step toward promoting clean and efficient mobility, the Indian government is preparing to roll out subsidies for battery swapping stations nationwide. The initiative aims to enhance convenience for electric vehicle (EV) users, particularly those operating commercial and long-distance vehicles, by reducing charging wait times.
Faster Charging, Greater Reach
The subsidy scheme is part of a broader strategy to accelerate EV adoption by creating a nationwide battery swapping infrastructure. This model allows EV users, especially drivers of electric buses, trucks, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers, to quickly exchange depleted batteries instead of waiting for conventional charging.
According to senior officials, the initial focus will be on commercial vehicles and long-haul travel, with plans to include private electric cars once common technical standards are finalized.
“Our goal is to create a robust battery swapping network that improves operational efficiency and minimizes vehicle downtime,” a senior official said.
Key Corridors Identified
Battery swapping stations will be prioritized along strategic corridors, including:
- Delhi–Chandigarh
- Delhi–Jaipur
- Bengaluru–Mumbai
- Coimbatore–Bengaluru
- Goa–Pune
- Chennai–Bengaluru
- Kanyakumari
- Kochi–Prayagraj–Patna
- Guwahati–Jorhat
- Kharagpur–Visakhapatnam
These corridors are part of a larger plan to strengthen India’s EV ecosystem. The initiative complements the ongoing project to set up public EV charging stations every 100 km for heavy vehicles and every 20 km for passenger EVs along 61 national highway routes covering nearly 25,600 km.
EV Growth in India
India’s electric vehicle market is rapidly expanding. In the financial year 2024–25, EVs made up 7.3% of all vehicle registrations, a sharp rise from 0.01% in 2014–15. So far, over 5.68 million EVs have been registered across the country.
Officials added that battery swapping infrastructure may be integrated into existing charging networks or developed as standalone units, depending on location and demand. Final decisions regarding the subsidy amount and eligibility criteria are expected in the coming weeks.
This move reflects the government’s long-term vision of building sustainable, fast, and scalable EV infrastructure, helping India stay on track toward its clean mobility goals.
