The central government on Tuesday rolled out a dedicated portal enabling foreign electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers to submit their applications to start making electric passenger cars in the country. The website, hosted on the Ministry of Heavy Industries portal (spmepci.heavyindustries.gov.in), will receive applications under the Narendra Modi government’s Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI), a special initiative aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of a “cleaner, greener, and more ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India)”. The scheme was notified on March 15, with guidelines issued the following month.
Approved applicants will be allowed to import e-4W completely built-in units (CBUs) with a minimum CIF value of $35,000 at a reduced customs duty of 15 per cent for five years from the approval date, according to an official release.
The applicants will be required to make a minimum investment of Rs. 4,150 crores in line with the SPMEPCI provisions.
Global EV Makers to Manufacture Electric Passenger Vehicles in India
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy said the transformative initiative opens the nation’s doors to global EV giants, driving investments, sustainability, and innovation.
“The launch of this portal under the SPMEPCI scheme opens new avenues for global electric vehicle manufacturers to invest in India’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape. This scheme not only supports our national commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2070, but also reinforces our resolve to build a sustainable, innovation-driven economy,” he said.
The scheme will boost domestic manufacturing, create jobs, and strengthen our position as a global EV hub, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Proud to announce the launch of the online application portal for the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI).
This transformative initiative envisioned by Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi avaru opens India’s doors to global EV giants, driving… pic.twitter.com/AQcfo4sAWj
— ಹೆಚ್.ಡಿ.ಕುಮಾರಸ್ವಾಮಿ | H.D.Kumaraswamy (@hd_kumaraswamy) June 24, 2025
Last date for foreign EV makers to apply
Interested manufacturers will be able to submit their applications until 6 pm on October 21, 2025.
The portal started taking applications from 10:30 am on June 24.
The EV scheme aims to develop India as a global manufacturing hub for electric cars and the EV ecosystem, said Heavy Industries Secretary Kamran Rizvi.
Asked about a potential shortage of rare earth magnets in the country, the official said that efforts are being made to source magnets from Vietnam and Japan.
China controls 90 per cent of the processing of such magnets, used in an array of industries and applications, including electric vehicles, clean energy and defence.
Scheme strategically crafted to position India as a global hub for EV manufacturing
According to an official release, the Modi government’s Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India will:
- Help in attracting investments from global EV manufacturers
- Help in promoting India as a manufacturing destination for EVs
- Help in putting India on the global map for EV manufacturing, employment generation and ‘Make in India’
The EV scheme aims to develop India as a global manufacturing hub for electric cars and the EV ecosystem, said Heavy Industries Secretary Kamran Rizvi.
Asked about a potential shortage of rare earth magnets in the country, the official said that efforts are being made to source magnets from Vietnam and Japan.
China controls 90 per cent of the processing of such magnets, used in an array of industries and applications including electric vehicles, clean energy and defence.
