Buyer's Guide

PM e-Drive 2026: How to claim your electric scooter subsidy

Central and state subsidies can cut ₹5,000–₹30,000 off your EV purchase. Here's exactly what you're entitled to, which scooters qualify, and how to claim it at the dealership — step by step.

✍️ ScooterWale Editorial
📅 April 2026
⏱ 7 min read
✅ Verified with MHI portal

💡 Key takeaway upfront

The PM e-Drive scheme (successor to FAME-II) provides a central government subsidy of ₹5,000–₹10,000 for electric two-wheelers, applied automatically at point of sale. Your state may add another ₹5,000–₹30,000 on top. You don't file a form — the dealer deducts it for you.

What is PM e-Drive?

PM e-Drive (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) is India's current electric vehicle subsidy scheme, launched in late 2024 with a ₹10,900 crore allocation. It replaced FAME-II, which ended March 2024. The scheme runs through March 2026 and targets accelerating EV adoption across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, e-buses, and charging infrastructure.

For electric scooters and motorcycles specifically, PM e-Drive provides a demand incentive of ₹5,000 per kWh of battery capacity, capped at ₹10,000 per vehicle. This incentive is applied at the time of purchase — you pay the post-subsidy price directly.

Which electric scooters qualify?

To qualify for PM e-Drive subsidy, an electric scooter must:

  • Be manufactured in India (with progressive localisation requirements)
  • Have a battery capacity between 2–10 kWh
  • Have a top speed of at least 25 km/h (L2/L3 category)
  • Be sold through an authorised dealership registered on the VAHAN portal
  • The manufacturer must be listed on the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP) approved list

✅ Brands confirmed eligible on our database (April 2026)

Ola Electric, Ather Energy, TVS Motor, Bajaj Chetak, Hero Vida, Ampere (Greaves), Okinawa, Pure EV, BGauss, Bounce Infinity. Note: Eligibility can change — always confirm with the dealer before booking.

How much subsidy do you actually get?

The total subsidy you receive is the sum of central PM e-Drive + your state government's EV subsidy. Here's the state-wise breakdown:

StateState SubsidyCentral (PM e-Drive)Total Max Saving
Delhi₹30,000₹10,000₹40,000
Gujarat₹20,000₹10,000₹30,000
Rajasthan₹10,000₹10,000₹20,000
Karnataka₹10,000₹10,000₹20,000
Tamil Nadu₹5,000₹10,000₹15,000
Maharashtra₹5,000₹10,000₹15,000
Telangana₹5,000₹10,000₹15,000
Uttar Pradesh₹5,000₹10,000₹15,000
West Bengal₹0₹10,000₹10,000
Other states₹0–₹10,000₹10,000₹10,000–₹20,000

* State subsidies change frequently. Verify with your local RTO or dealer before purchase.

How to claim the subsidy — step by step

The good news: you don't file any paperwork separately. The subsidy is applied at the point of sale by the dealer. Here's how the process works:

  1. 1
    Choose an eligible scooter and dealer
    Visit an authorised dealership. Ask them to confirm the model is registered on the PM e-Drive portal. All major brands (Ola, Ather, TVS, Bajaj, Hero Vida) are confirmed registered.
  2. 2
    Show your Aadhaar card for identity verification
    The dealer links your Aadhaar number to the subsidy claim. This prevents duplicate claims. One Aadhaar = one PM e-Drive subsidy claim per scheme period.
  3. 3
    Dealer submits claim on the VAHAN portal
    The dealer registers the sale on MHI's VAHAN portal at time of purchase. The system automatically calculates the central subsidy based on battery kWh and deducts it from your invoice.
  4. 4
    Apply for state subsidy separately (if applicable)
    State subsidies are usually handled differently. In Delhi, apply at the Delhi EV portal. In Gujarat, the dealer handles it. Always ask the dealer how the state subsidy is disbursed — some are instant, some take 2–4 weeks via bank transfer.
  5. 5
    Pay the post-subsidy price and take delivery
    Your invoice will show the original ex-showroom price minus central subsidy. Pay this amount. Keep the invoice — it's your record for any future state subsidy disbursement claims.

Common questions about EV subsidies

Can I claim subsidy if I buy online (e.g., directly from Ola's website)?

Yes. Ola Electric and Ather Energy both process PM e-Drive subsidies through their online sales channels. The subsidy is deducted from the final price you pay. You'll still need to provide Aadhaar verification during the booking process.

What documents do I need at the dealership?

You need: Aadhaar card (mandatory), a valid address proof, and standard vehicle registration documents. For state subsidies, some states require income proof or a copy of your existing vehicle registration — check with your state's EV policy before visiting.

Does the subsidy change the on-road price?

The central PM e-Drive subsidy reduces the ex-showroom price before GST is calculated, which means your on-road savings can be slightly more than just the subsidy amount. However, most dealers present it as a straightforward discount from the final price — verify the calculation before signing.

Can I claim both PM e-Drive and state subsidy on the same vehicle?

Yes, that is the entire point. Central and state subsidies are additive. Delhi buyers can realistically save ₹40,000 in total. Always confirm both with your dealer — some dealers only automatically process the central subsidy and require you to separately apply for the state component.

What happens if the scheme ends before I take delivery?

Subsidy eligibility is typically locked at the date of booking (advance payment), not delivery. If you pay and book before the scheme deadline, you retain the subsidy even if delivery is delayed. Get written confirmation of this from your dealer.

🚀 Actionable checklist before visiting a dealer

  • Confirm your chosen scooter is PM e-Drive eligible (ask for MHI registration confirmation)
  • Check your state's current EV subsidy amount and process (state EV policies change)
  • Carry Aadhaar card (original + photocopy)
  • Ask dealer to show you the invoice breakdown with subsidy deduction before signing
  • Ask specifically: "Is the state subsidy instant or will it be transferred later?"
  • For instant delivery: ask if state subsidy is disbursed at point of sale or requires separate application