Archive · 3 Dec 2025
India Allows E-Ambulance Motor Imports Till 2026
The Indian government has proposed new rules for e-ambulances under the PM E-Drive scheme.
These rules allow manufacturers to import certain parts, like traction motors with rare earth magnets, until March 2026.
Other parts, such as HVAC systems and batteries, must be sourced domestically.
The government is seeking input from stakeholders.
E-ambulances are a new segment in India's electric vehicle transition, and this plan aims to give manufacturers time to set up their supply chains.
The government has also allocated ₹500 crore to support electric and hybrid ambulances.
However, getting these motors might be tough because China has stopped exporting rare earth magnets, which are crucial for electric motors.
India is planning to start making these magnets domestically to reduce dependence on imports.
The heavy industries ministry proposed new localization rules for e-ambulances under the PM E-Drive scheme, allowing imports of traction motors with rare earth magnets till 3 March 2026.
Battery management systems, DC-DC converters, and traction motors with rare earth magnets can be imported until the deadline, while other components must be sourced domestically.
The government plans to gather stakeholder input on the draft phased manufacturing programme for e-ambulances.
India has allocated ₹500 crore to incentivize electric and hybrid ambulances, with Maruti Suzuki and Force Motors committed to building them.
China's export controls on rare earth magnets pose a supply challenge, prompting India to incentivize domestic magnet manufacturing with a ₹7,280 crore scheme.
- Who
- Indian government, e-ambulance manufacturers, stakeholders
- What
- Proposed new localization rules for e-ambulances under the PM E-Drive scheme
- When
- Draft PMP allows imports till 3 March 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To provide manufacturers time to build supply chains and encourage domestic manufacturing
- Scheme
- PM E-Drive
- Total Budget
- ₹10,900 crore
- E-Ambulance Budget
- ₹500 crore
- Import Deadline
- 3 March 2026
- Domestic Components
- HVAC, charging inlets, electric compressors, traction battery packs, vehicle control units
- Rare Earth Magnet Demand
- 5,000 tonnes annually
- Domestic Magnet Production Plan
- 6,000 tonnes yearly