On 16 July 2024, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India (GoI), launched the ‘e-mobility R&D Roadmap for India’ report at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe in New Delhi, Delhi.
- The roadmap document outlines critical research initiatives positioning India as a global leader in electric mobility (e-mobility), aligning with India’s goals of energy independence by 2047 and Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2070.
- The roadmap is expected to propel the country into a future of self-reliance in EV sector with an investment of Rs 1,151 crore over the next five years.
The document was prepared by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) in Pune, Maharashtra under the guidance of the Consultative Group on eMobility (CGeM).
Key People:
The launch event was attended by Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the PSA; Dr. Reji Mathai, Director General(DG), ARAI, Pune; Dr. K. Balasubramanian, Director, Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC), Hyderabad, Telangana; members of the CGeM, among others.
Key Areas of Research:
i.The roadmap document, based on proposed research project groups, focuses on 4 different and critical streams:
1.Energy Storage Cells (commonly known as batteries): Address new areas in the Chemistry and Physics behind cells and their manufacture.
2.Electric Vehicle (EV) Aggregates: Capturing actions in the entire value chain of all items that are specific to e-mobility other than Cells.
- EV aggregates comprise mainly 3 fundamental components: batteries, electric motors, and controllers.
3.Materials & Recycling: Focusing on Material Science and different tools that can further augment Materials Research.
4.Charging & Refueling: Enumerating the opportunities that will help with improved speeds and safety in charging/refueling.
ii.The goal is to achieve global leadership in innovative mobility solutions and Atmanirbhar (self-reliance) status in the next 5 years.
iii.The research projects identified in the roadmap aim to achieve both technological deployment and market leadership.
Funding Requirements:
The report has categorized funding requirements as per technology readiness levels (TRL).
i.For projects with TRL range from 2 to 5, it is expected that research institutions/labs and academia will take the lead in developing technologies, with support, engagement, and commitment from industry.
ii.From TRL-6 onwards to TRL-8, the industry shall take the lead in commercial activities and production.
Key Points:
i.This initiative comes as part of India’s strategy to achieve a 45% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and transition towards a more sustainable transportation sector.
- It requires the adoption of EVs, indigenous energy storage systems, and renewable energy generation.
ii.Currently, India’s growing EV sector heavily depends on lithium imports, sourced from other countries.
iii.In India, approximately 90% of the used batteries are either processed by the unorganized industry or end up in landfills and garbage dumps, posing a risk to human safety and an environmental issue.
iv.India aims to achieve 30% EV usage by 2030, with a target of 4 lakh charging stations by 2026.
Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI):
Director – Dr. Reji Mathai
Headquarters – Pune, Maharashtra
Founded – 1966
