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India Identifies Key Research Projects To Drive EV Technology Forward
A central government science advisory body has identified 24 high-priority research projects to propel India advanced electric vehicle (EV) technologies. This initiative aims to reduce the country's reliance on large-scale imports in the EV sector.
The principal scientific adviser (PSA) to the government released a report outlining research opportunities in next-generation batteries, novel materials, and electric motors. These areas are deemed essential for sustainable EV growth.
Focus on Domestic Capabilities
The Narendra Modi government has set ambitious targets for EV adoption by 2030. The goal is for 30% of new private cars, 40% of new buses, and 80% of new two-wheelers and three-wheelers to be electric. This shift aims to reduce fossil fuel dependence and lower air pollution levels.
However, experts warn that India is not yet ready for large-scale, sustainable EV expansion. Technologies required for EV components are often beyond the current capabilities of domestic industries, necessitating persistent imports.
"This is a roadmap with research goals, indicative timelines and budgetary requirements that are intended to place India in a comfortable position in the electric vehicle domain," said Ajay Sood, the PSA and chair of the Consultative Group on eMobility that pencilled the report.
Research Projects and Investment
The consultative group's e-mobility roadmap highlights research projects needed to achieve domestic capabilities in EV technologies. The aim is to reduce import dependence by the early 2030s. The roadmap details 24 high-priority and 10 moderate-priority projects, identifying technology gaps, project targets, deliverables, timelines, and potential institutions with necessary human resources.
"These are experimental, exploratory projects — the risk of failure will be high but if one in 10 succeeds, it will have huge potential for wealth generation," said Karthick Atmanathan, professor of practice at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, and member of the consultative group.
High-Priority Projects
The high-priority projects include developing new high-energy lithium-ion batteries, aluminium-ion batteries, fire suppressants for high-energy lithium-ion batteries, competitive manufacturing of graphene material, magnetic reuse and recycling, and high-power density wireless charging.
"Each of these projects could be viewed as a battle to fight to help India leapfrog in EV technologies," said K. Balasubramanian, director of the Nonferrous Materials Technology Development Centre in Hyderabad and a member of the consultative group.
Government vehicle registration data from Clean Mobility Shift shows that in 2024: 2.2% of new four-wheelers, 3.3% of buses, 5.3% of two-wheelers and 53% of three-wheelers are EVs. These figures highlight India's progress towards its ambitious EV targets.
The roadmap estimates that all 34 projects would cost around ₹1,200 crore over the next three to five years. This investment is seen as crucial for positioning India comfortably within the global EV market.
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