The government has introduced a new requirement linking Aadhaar authentication to electric vehicle incentives under the PM E-DRIVE scheme, aiming to streamline beneficiary verification.
In a notification issued on March 27, 2026, the Ministry of Heavy Industries stated that individuals must authenticate their identity using Aadhaar to avail demand incentives for purchasing hybrid or electric vehicles. This replaces a 2017 order.
“An individual desirous of availing of the benefit under the scheme shall be required to undergo authentication, or furnish proof of possession of Aadhaar number,” the notification stated.
For individuals who do not yet have an Aadhaar number, enrolment will be mandatory. Until the number is issued, beneficiaries can use an enrolment acknowledgement with the Enrolment Identification (EID), along with a valid photo identity document.
Accepted documents include voter ID, ration card, passport, driving licence, caste or domicile certificate, disability certificate or UDID card, and educational certificates.
The ministry also confirmed that it will support Aadhaar enrolment and data updates by coordinating with registrars and setting up enrolment centres at accessible locations.
To ensure wider adoption, the government plans to run awareness campaigns through media, informing citizens about Aadhaar requirements under the scheme.
The notification also addresses cases where biometric authentication may fail. It allows alternate methods such as multiple biometric options, OTP-based authentication, and offline verification using Aadhaar Secure QR code or paperless offline e-KYC.
This move is aimed at strengthening identity verification while ensuring accessibility for all eligible beneficiaries.
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