The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has collaborated with green think tank Non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) to create a platform which will support the development of new electric vehicle (EV) batteries that suit Indian requirements.
Putting out a statement today, CSE said a white paper will be prepared on a roadmap for developing new batteries in India. This would be followed by creating an expert-industry forum or platform to support the process.
CSE and DST had recently organised a round table on locally appropriate EV batteries that are safe, durable and effective within the constraints of a hot and humid tropical climate.
This was the first in a series of consultations that will be held with experts from leading institutions and representatives from vehicle manufacturers, the battery industry, regulatory bodies, testing entities and independent laboratories focused on battery chemistries.
Commenting on the development, 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 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 need for quick charging opportunities among others.”
Also Read | Nitin Gadkari unveils India’s first Miniature EV Charging model
Moushumi Mohanty, senior programme manager, Clean Air and Sustainable Mobility, CSE believes this joint initiative of DST and CSE is aimed at addressing these gaps and to create a platform that will assess, evaluate and identify technology solutions that are safe, have locally appropriate supply chain systems and can be customised for the various vehicle applications.
