India’s e-mobility roadmap calls for research into EV cells, charging and supply chain

India can achieve leadership position in the e-mobility sector within five years, according to a government report that outlines measures needed to make the country a powerhouse in the space. 

The report, "e-mobility R&D Roadmap for India", has been prepared by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, under the overall guidance of the government's Consultative Group on e-Mobility. It was launched by Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, in New Delhi.

The roadmap, which has been prepared after a detailed look at the global automotive sector and identification of future technological trends, categorizes research projects into four important areas: Energy Storage Cells; EV Aggregates; Materials and Recycling; Charging and Refueling. 

It charts a course towards industrial independence and self-sufficiency; and outlines critical research initiatives that can position India as a leader in the global value and supply chain in the coming 5-7 years, while filling critical gaps in the country's current R&D activities.

Speaking at the launch, Sood pointed out that India's e-mobility value chain depends heavily on imports and emphasized the importance of reducing this dependence by strengthening domestic R&D capabilities.

Karthick Athmanathan, PSA Fellow and Professor of Practice, IIT Madras, presented a summary of the roadmap and explained how the paper offers actions to reduce the current dependence on imports while future-proofing the country from new technology developments.

He indicated that the research projects had been identified with both technology deployment and market leadership as the primary objectives. Priority was assigned based on their potential impact on achieving national energy independence, the feasibility of implementation within the set timelines, market dominance, and their ability to leverage existing infrastructure and resources, he said.