India’s FAME III Scheme: Driving Electric Mobility with a Vision for 2024 and Beyond.

Suhail Gulati

Posted on - 4:25 PM, 29 November, 2024

In its mission to combat climate change and urban pollution, the Indian government has continuously rolled out initiatives to encourage cleaner transportation. With the introduction of the FAME III scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles), India aims to replace the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 and further accelerate the nation’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Here’s a look at what’s in store for FAME III, the government’s projected investment, and lessons learned from the preceding phases.

The Purpose of FAME III and its Transition from EMPS 2024

The FAME initiative, launched in 2015, has been a driving force in promoting EVs across the country. Its latest iteration, FAME III, supersedes the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 and continues under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. With EMPS 2024 coming to a close, FAME III is strategically timed to maintain momentum and introduce enhanced support measures to meet the evolving needs of India’s EV sector.

Under FAME III, the Indian government has committed a substantial investment of approximately ₹20,000 crore (around $2.4 billion USD) to scale EV adoption across private and commercial sectors. This funding will directly impact areas including incentives for EV purchases, expansion of charging infrastructure, and subsidies for domestic EV component manufacturing.

India’s Growing EV Market: Valuation and Projections

India’s EV market has been on a steady upward trajectory, with significant growth anticipated. As of 2024, the EV industry in India is valued at an estimated $5 billion and is expected to reach $50 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of over 40%. This projected growth underscores the critical role FAME III will play in making EVs more accessible and practical for consumers and businesses alike.

Insights from FAME II: Successes and Shortcomings

The second phase of the FAME scheme, FAME II, launched in 2019 with an investment of ₹10,000 crore, provided a foundation for understanding what works and what doesn’t in promoting EV adoption in India. Here are some successes and challenges of FAME II that can guide FAME III.

Key Successes of FAME II

1. Boost in EV Adoption: FAME II provided subsidies to over 1.5 million two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers, making EVs more affordable.
2. Expansion of Charging Infrastructure: FAME II supported the installation of nearly 2,700 charging stations across the country, creating a preliminary charging network.
3. Job Creation: With increased domestic manufacturing of EV components, FAME II helped generate jobs within India’s growing EV industry.

Challenges and Shortcomings of FAME II

1. Underutilized Charging Stations: Although many charging stations were installed, they were unevenly distributed, often clustered in urban areas and lacking in rural or highway locations. This limited EV accessibility for long-distance travel and rural populations.
2. High Costs for EV Manufacturers: Despite subsidies, high upfront manufacturing costs for EVs in India made it challenging for manufacturers to stay competitive, resulting in a slower-than-expected production and adoption rate.
3. Limited Consumer Awareness: Lack of widespread awareness about EV benefits and subsidies meant that a large portion of the population did not take full advantage of available incentives.

Learning from FAME II to Inform FAME III

FAME III will aim to address the limitations seen in FAME II with a few key strategies:

1. Enhanced Charging Infrastructure: Expanding the charging network to include highways and rural areas will encourage EV adoption in underserved regions. The government is expected to introduce incentives for companies that establish and maintain charging infrastructure in these areas.
2. Domestic Manufacturing Boost: FAME III is set to increase subsidies for local manufacturing of batteries and other critical EV components. This will reduce production costs, increase local job creation, and enhance India's self-sufficiency in the EV sector.
3. Education and Awareness Campaigns: To boost EV adoption, FAME III will likely fund campaigns to educate consumers on the benefits of EVs, including cost savings and environmental impact, and to explain how to access incentives.

The Road Ahead with FAME III

With ambitious goals, FAME III aims to make EVs a common mode of transportation in India, offering affordable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional vehicles. By addressing the challenges of previous phases and promoting sustainable practices, FAME III is positioned to help India become a global leader in EV technology and adoption.

As India moves forward with FAME III, the scheme has the potential to transform India’s transportation landscape—offering a cleaner, greener future for the next generation.

Data Source: Statista, Market Projections for EV Industry in India