NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched a dedicated web portal to accept applications under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI), in a move aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business and promoting electric vehicle (EV) production.

The SPMEPCI scheme, unveiled in March 2024, is part of the government’s broader strategy to boost domestic manufacturing of electric passenger vehicles and position India as a leading global hub for automotive innovation and clean mobility.

Calling the launch a “milestone moment” in India’s green transition, Union Minister for Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy said the initiative would create new investment opportunities and support the country’s aspirations of becoming a self-reliant, future-ready automotive powerhouse.

“This initiative not only aligns with India’s commitment to achieve net zero by 2070, but also reinforces the pillars of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. It opens up exciting avenues for global EV manufacturers to invest in India’s fast-evolving mobility ecosystem,” Kumaraswamy said.

At the COP26 summit in Glasgow, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed that India would reach net-zero emissions by 2070, with 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity and 50% of energy requirements met by renewables by 2030.

According to the ministry, the scheme is expected to attract significant foreign direct investment in EV manufacturing, bolster employment generation, and cement India’s place on the global EV map.

As an incentive, selected global manufacturers will be allowed to import completely built electric four-wheelers (e-4W) with a minimum CIF value of $35,000 at a reduced customs duty of 15% for five years. In return, companies must commit a minimum investment of ₹4,150 crore and comply with domestic value addition requirements.

The portal for submitting applications under the SPMEPCI scheme will remain open from June 24, 2025, to October 21, 2025, allowing prospective investors to apply through an easy-to-access online module.

The scheme is seen as a critical enabler of India’s clean mobility roadmap and a strategic push to establish the country as a trusted center for next-generation automotive manufacturing and sustainable innovation.