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The “e-mobility R&D Roadmap for India” report was launched at Vigyan Bhawan Annexe in New Delhi by Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. This comprehensive roadmap has been developed through extensive analysis of the global automotive sector, identifying future technological needs.
The report focuses on four key areas: Energy Storage Cells, EV Aggregates, Materials and Recycling, and Charging and Refueling. It provides clear strategies to achieve global leadership and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar) within the next five years.
The launch event, held in a hybrid format, saw participation from government officials, members of the Consultative Group on e-Mobility (CGeM), industry representatives, think tanks, and media personnel. Notable attendees included Dr Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser; Dr Reji Mathai, Director General, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune; and Dr K. Balasubramanian, Director, Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC), Hyderabad.
Prof. Sood emphasised India’s ambitious goals of achieving a 45% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and energy independence by 2047, with the ultimate aim of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. He highlighted the crucial role of electric vehicles (EVs), indigenous energy storage systems, and renewable energy in realising this vision. Currently, India’s e-mobility value chain is heavily reliant on imports. Prof. Sood underscored the need to reduce this dependency and enhance domestic R&D capabilities in the automotive sector.
Dr. Preeti Bansal, Adviser, Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, provided an overview of the Office’s efforts to establish a robust R&D ecosystem in the automotive sector. She mentioned the formation of the Consultative Group on eMobility (CGeM) in August 2022, which brings together experts from government, academia, and industry to create technical roadmaps and accelerate the transition from fossil fuel-based transportation to electric mobility. The roadmap document was prepared by ARAI under the guidance of CGeM.
Prof. Karthick Athmanathan, PSA Fellow and Professor of Practice at IIT Madras, presented a summary of the e-mobility R&D roadmap. He explained how the roadmap addresses the actions needed to move away from the current import-dependent situation and avoid future dependencies as technologies evolve.
The identified research projects focus on both technology deployment and market leadership. Projects were prioritised based on their potential impact on achieving national energy independence, feasibility within set timelines, market dominance, and ability to leverage existing infrastructure and resources.
During the Q&A session, it was highlighted that the e-mobility R&D roadmap aims to achieve future independence and self-sufficiency by outlining critical research initiatives. These initiatives will position India as a leader in the global value and supply chains within the next five to seven years. The roadmap seeks to address critical gaps in the current R&D framework, ensuring that India can pursue future innovations and achieve significant international accomplishments.
Prof. Sood stressed that the automotive sector is a major contributor to India’s GDP and will continue to be so given its rapid growth. He emphasised that this progress must align with the country’s Net-Zero vision, and there is a pressing need to foster a culture of R&D and innovation-driven growth in the automotive sector. Prof. Sood highlighted the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including government, industry, and academia, to drive this transformative journey and secure India’s position as a global leader in e-mobility.
India’s proactive adoption of cutting-edge technology, exemplified by the e-mobility R&D roadmap, aims to forge a sustainable automotive sector that meets current needs while pioneering a greener future. This commitment to reducing carbon footprint and achieving energy independence sets a global benchmark for sustainable development, showcasing technology’s pivotal role in fostering environmental stewardship and driving resilient growth.
