A leap with multiple EV R&D projects in the spotlight as India powers up its electric future.
In a major push for EV self-reliance, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has shortlisted 18 R&D projects under ARAI’s MAHA-EV mission. These projects aim to promote domestic manufacturing through strategic collaborations between academia, industry, and government bodies.
According to senior officials, a final selection will be made after a thorough evaluation by a joint panel from the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The proposals include advanced technologies such as wireless EV chargers, power trains, and traction motors.
Officials noted that priority will be given to subsystems that require urgent localisation. The shortlisted entries were received in response to a joint call by MHI and MeitY issued in October 2024.
To qualify, proposals must demonstrate a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7 or higher, signifying their proximity to commercial deployment. Each project is required to operate under a consortium model, with a minimum of 20% cash contribution from an industry partner.
The developed technologies will be made available to Indian industries on a non-exclusive basis. However, if an industry partner funds more than 50% of the project, either in cash or kind, they may be granted exclusive rights to the resulting technology. Each selected project will have a maximum duration of 36 months, covering phases from product development and field testing to commercialisation.
