The Centre’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) and green think tank, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), have collaborated to create a platform that will support the development of new electric vehicle (EV) batteries to suit Indian requirements. A white paper will be prepared on a roadmap to develop new battery technologies in India. This would be followed by the creation of an expert-industry forum or platform to support this process, the CSE said in a statement.

This collaborative initiative was kicked off recently with a round table on locally appropriate EV batteries that are safe, durable, and effective within the constraints of a hot and humid tropical climate.

Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director-research and advocacy, CSE, said: “India has been working with FAME and production-linked incentives to push the EV story, but challenges are abound with regard to cost, safety, and charging infrastructure—all of which point at gaps in fulfilling the country’s zero emission ambitions. The gaps range from concerns relating to safety, supply chain, cost sensitivity, and the need for quick charging opportunities, among others.”

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“This joint initiative is aimed at addressing these gaps and creating a platform that will assess, evaluate, and identify technology solutions that are safe, have locally appropriate supply chain systems, and can be customised for various vehicle applications,” said Moushumi Mohanty, senior programme manager, Clean Air and Sustainable Mobility, CSE.

As part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020, the Department of Heavy Industry had formulated a scheme in 2015, “Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles in India” (FAME India), to promote the manufacturing of electric and hybrid vehicle technology and ensure its sustainable growth.

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