India may soon see a new generation of electric ambulances (e-ambulances) on its roads, as the government advances a significant initiative under the PM e-Drive scheme. Industry insiders confirm that top automotive manufacturers Force Motors, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, and electric vehicle startup EKA Mobility have expressed interest in developing these specialised medical vehicles.
The scheme, spearheaded jointly by the Ministry of Heavy Industries and the Ministry of Health, aims to promote indigenous manufacturing of electric ambulances through structured subsidies and policy guidelines currently in the finalisation phase.
Early Commitments from OEMs
According to sources, Force Motors and Tata Motors have formally expressed commitment to the initiative, while Maruti Suzuki and EKA Mobility are awaiting detailed guidelines before making a written pledge. EKA, known for its electric buses and light commercial EVs, is a new entrant to the medical mobility space.
Maruti Suzuki, meanwhile, is reportedly evaluating participation through its hybrid vehicle segment, given its lack of a fully electric product line in the ambulance domain.
Guidelines and Subsidy Awaited
A senior government official told Business Standard that the eligibility criteria, vehicle specifications, and subsidy structure are being finalised. Once published, participating Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) will be required to develop prototypes, which will undergo approval by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
Only post-clearance from ARAI will the government determine the number of units to be supported under the scheme.
What’s at Stake?
The guidelines are expected to categorically define the four key ambulance categories to be included:
- Medical First Responder Units
- Patient Transport Ambulances
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Life Support (ALS)
Not all manufacturers currently offer vehicles across all four categories. This means some may be eligible for partial participation depending on their existing capabilities or willingness to develop new models.
Limited Comments from Stakeholders
While Force Motors, Maruti Suzuki, and EKA Mobility declined to comment, a spokesperson from Tata Motors noted, “It’s too early to comment as discussions with the government are still at a preliminary stage.”
Neither of the two ministries involved responded to media queries regarding the roadmap or launch timeline.
E-Ambulances: The Road Ahead
This suggested partnership with India’s top automakers is a key advancement in combining electric mobility and emergency medicine. The initiative aligns with the government’s overall EV thrust while filling infrastructure lacunae in the area of medical transport, particularly in semi-urban and rural sectors.
As the country anticipates the release of final scheme guidelines, stakeholders across healthcare and mobility sectors are watching closely for what could be a defining move in India’s electric vehicle journey.
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