The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched the application portal for the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI), inviting eligible applicants to participate in India’s ambitious electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing initiative. The application window will remain open from 24 June 2025 at 10:30 a.m. to 21 October 2025 at 6:00 p.m. via spmepci.heavyindustries.gov.in.

The Rs 41.5 billion scheme, approved by the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to attract investments from global EV manufacturers, drive innovation, and firmly position India as a global hub for electric four-wheeler production.

Investment incentives and policy support

To encourage investment, approved applicants will be permitted to import Completely Built Units (CBUs) of electric four-wheelers with a minimum CIF value of USD 35,000 at a reduced customs duty of 15 per cent for five years. However, participating firms must commit to a minimum investment of Rs 41.5 billion and meet clearly defined Domestic Value Addition (DVA) milestones over the project lifecycle.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said the scheme is “a defining moment in India’s clean, self-reliant and future-ready mobility journey,” aligning with the country’s Net Zero by 2070 targets while supporting the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.

Long-term goals

The SPMEPCI scheme offers a calibrated blend of policy incentives and localisation mandates to foster sustainable, high-tech manufacturing in the EV space. It is designed to boost employment, strengthen India’s industrial base, and reduce dependency on fossil fuel-driven transport systems.