The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has officially launched the application portal for the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI), a significant initiative aimed at transforming India into a global hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. The portal will accept applications from eligible entities between June 24, 2025 (10:30 a.m.) and October 21, 2025 (6:00 p.m.).
First notified on March 15, 2024, and detailed through Notification No. S.O. 2450(E) issued on June 2, 2025, the scheme outlines strategic policy incentives intended to attract top-tier global and domestic manufacturers into India’s growing electric mobility ecosystem. Both the official notification and the detailed guidelines are accessible on the MHI website.
Speaking during the portal’s inauguration, Union Minister Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy described the initiative as a pivotal move in India’s clean energy transition. “Guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, this initiative marks a defining moment in our journey towards sustainable, self-reliant, and future-ready mobility. It opens the Indian market to global players while reinforcing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2070,” he stated.
Under the scheme, approved applicants will be permitted to import electric four-wheelers (e-4W) as Completely Built Units (CBUs) with a minimum Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of USD 35,000, at a reduced customs duty of 15% for a period of five years from the date of approval. This calibrated duty concession is designed to introduce high-end EV technologies into the Indian market.
In exchange, companies must commit a minimum investment of ₹4,150 crore and fulfill domestic value addition (DVA) benchmarks as stipulated in the scheme guidelines. These benchmarks aim to ensure the development of indigenous capabilities, thereby aligning with the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat missions.
The SPMEPCI scheme is expected to generate employment, foster innovation, and firmly place India on the global EV manufacturing map. It also creates a favorable investment climate through clearly defined compliance metrics, encouraging sustained long-term operations by both new and established automotive players.
The initiative represents a balanced approach to fostering cutting-edge electric vehicle manufacturing while nurturing the domestic supply chain ecosystem, signaling India’s readiness to lead in the era of green mobility.
