Government is going aggressive to promote e-vehicles, plans on funding 60% of R&D cost

For the first time, the Indian Government is looking forward to fund up to 60% of the research and development (R&D) cost for developing indigenous low-cost electric technology. This move will help power two-, three-wheelers and commercial vehicles operating in public spaces and is aimed at reducing pollution.

Electric mobiles are a foolproof alternatives to reduce pollution and along with it, the government is also looking forward to boost its ‘Make in India’ initiative.

"The intent is to make the hybrid and electric vehicle market in India self-sustaining by increasing domestic capacities for product and technology development. We are inviting proposals in five areas, which will be undertaken as consortia projects involving multiple companies and academic institutions. The government has agreed to provide up to 60% of R&D costs involved in eligible projects,” a senior government representative associated with the Technology Platform for Electric Mobility (TPEM), told ET.

TPEM is a joint initiative of the departments of heavy industry (DHI) and science and technology (DST).

Globally, major auto makers design battery modules in-house for use across their range of green vehicles. With demand for electric vehicles being miniscule in India, it has become necessary to design a common module which can be utilised by several manufacturers to generate scale and make viable economics of manufacturing and selling electric vehicles.

"A lot of research is being done at the basic level in India. Indian engineers also work on developing finished products for global companies. However, there is a gap which exists today for progressing from the prototype to testing and validation phase indigenously. The attempt is to bridge this and (locally) make battery modules, motor, motor controllers and power electronics,” an executive from a leading component manufacturing company, told ET.

Also underway is a study to evaluate driving patterns on roads to fine-tune the technology.

"Since electric vehicles run on battery, the use of air-conditioning and driving uphill may draw out excessive energy. The technology has to factor in these conditions. Light weighting is important to address range anxiety,” a second government official told ET.