NEWS – Government Draws Up Rs 1,150-Crore Roadmap to Indigenize EV Technology

HIGHLIGHTS

Objectives and Focus Areas:

• Prepared by: Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor
• Aim: Drastically reduce vehicular pollution and aid India in achieving a 45% reduction in emission intensity by 2030.
• Targets:
  • Achieve energy independence by 2047
  • Reach net-zero emissions by 2070

Research and Development Roadmap:

• Verticals Identified:
  • Next-generation batteries
  • New materials
  • Electric motors
  • Magnets
  • Semiconductors
  • Charging infrastructure

Budget Allocation:

• R&D: Rs 669 crore
• Pilot Programme: Rs 482 crore
• Goal: Localize a significant portion of EV technologies within 5-7 years.

Current Status and Challenges:

• Import Dependency: Heavy reliance on imports for e-mobility components
• Expert Concerns: Lack of preparedness for large-scale, sustainable EV expansion
• Technological Gaps: Many required technologies are beyond current domestic capabilities

Government EV Penetration Targets by 2030:

• Private Cars: 30%
• Buses: 40%
• Commercial Cars: 70%
• Two-Wheelers and Three-Wheelers: 80%

Current EV Registration Data (2024):

• New Four-Wheelers:2%
• Buses:3%
• Two-Wheelers:3%
• Three-Wheelers: 53% growth, dominated by e-rickshaws

Identified Research Projects:

• High Priority: 24 projects
• Moderate Priority: 10 projects
• Focus Areas:
  • Manufacturing of graphene
  • Development of new materials
  • Production engineering challenges for complex items like fuel cell separators

Risks and Recommendations:

• High-Risk Projects: Many projects involve high-risk research.
• Global Innovation: Emphasis on taking risks and investing in new ideas to avoid dependency on other countries.

Conclusion:

• Future Innovations: The roadmap aims to build a foundation for future innovations in EV technology.
• Global Success: A few projects where global success has already been achieved are included to prepare India for future opportunities.