MHI to Finalize E-Ambulance Guidelines under PM E-DRIVE

Industry sources reveal that Force Motors, Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors, and Toyota Kirloskar Motor have expressed interest in producing e-ambulances under PM E-DRIVE.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) is in ongoing consultations with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to establish subsidy guidelines for electric ambulances under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme.

The MHI has allocated INR 500 Cr in subsidies for the initiative, which aims to bolster India’s electric vehicle ecosystem.

“We have completed two rounds of consultations with the Ministry of Health, and another is scheduled soon to finalize the guidelines. We are identifying companies interested in electric ambulance production,” an MHI official stated.

Industry sources reveal that Force Motors, Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors, and Toyota Kirloskar Motor have expressed interest in producing e-ambulances under PM E-DRIVE.

However, no manufacturer currently produces electric ambulances. Talks are underway with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including companies experienced in ambulance manufacturing.

Currently, most OEMs focus on patient transport vehicles, such as the Maruti Suzuki Eeco, while Force Motors and Tata Motors produce fully equipped ambulances with advanced features such as ventilators, which are in higher demand.

“Force Motors has shown readiness to manufacture e-ambulances, while others are assessing market demand,” the official added.

The government is encouraged to expedite guideline development as PM E-DRIVE runs for two years, ending March 31, 2026.

This timeline includes standardization and approval processes critical before vehicle rollout. Many ambulances are operated in partnerships with third-party companies such as GVK EMRI, indicating the need for streamlined guidelines to facilitate swift implementation.

The PM E-DRIVE scheme, effective October 1, 2023, supports various electric vehicle categories, including e-2 wheelers, e-3 wheelers, e-trucks, and e-buses, with a total budget of INR 10,900 Cr.

Minister of Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy emphasized last month that e-ambulance standards will be formulated in consultation with the Health and Road Transport Ministries and other stakeholders to ensure safe, comfortable patient transport.