ARAI Develops Charger For Electric Vehicles

• ARAI Director Reji Mathai said to promote EVs, infrastructure for charging is important and since the mobility chargers are imported, the association’s focus is to develop these indigenously
• ARAI has developed indigenous technology for EV charger AC001, which has been taken up for manufacturing and promotion by Bharat Electronics

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has indigenously developed a charger for electric vehicles to give a push to the EV ecosystem in the country, as per a statement. ARAI Director Reji Mathai said to promote EVs, infrastructure for charging is important and since the mobility chargers are imported, the association’s focus is to develop these indigenously, which will be cost-effective and boost the local economy.

He added that many components of EV like motors and controllers are imported and even chargers are being brought from abroad. ARAI has developed indigenous technology for EV charger AC001, which has been taken up for manufacturing and promotion by Bharat Electronics.The charging points will be set up by Bharat Electronics and parts for EV charger systems- Type 1, Type 2, CCS and CHAdeMO will be manufactured locally.

He informed that the charger has been designed considering the safety aspects and power usage in India. ARAI recently signed a pact with Bharat Electronics Limited on EV chargers. ARAI will provide the complete know-how of the charges and Bharat Electronics will manufacture them.

The cost of the chargers is expected to be in the range of Rs 50,000 – 60,000. ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistant System) vehicles and cylinder testing centres need dedicated space, ARAI is setting up a new centre in Takwe.

Investments to the tune of Rs 500 crore shall be made in a phased manner in the next 3-4 years in setting up this centre, the statement said. Nitin Dhande, Senior Deputy Director ARAI, said the organisation is planning to set up dedicated skill development centres that will impart necessary knowledge and undertake skilling for engineering students in the electric vehicles segment.