Leading experts discussed the R&D needs of electric vehicles and deliberated on a road map for electric vehicle technologies at a brainstorming session held on Wednesday by the Department of Science and Technology, PIB said.
“For India to achieve carbon neutrality by 2070, it would need de-carbonisation of the economy in a big way in several sectors. Transportation is one of them where transition to electric vehicles and green hydrogen will be of critical important,” said Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Advisor, Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Appreciating the large participation from the diverse stakeholder groups at the session he said that DST has already done considerable work in promoting R&D in EV in the last few years. There is a need to continue such efforts.
A comprehensive technology program is needed that includes the development of appropriate battery systems like a solid-state battery which can withstand the high ambient temperature in tropical regions. Besides, given the large scope of activities required to be conducted, and the need for suitable flexibility in program management, there is a need to organise research programs as special purpose vehicles that can coordinate with several industries and academic institutions,” said Balasubramanian, Director, NFTDC.
Presenting a comprehensive road map for technology development in India for the various electric vehicle components starting from basic research to applied research, application, engineering, and industrialization, Prof. Karthick Athmanathan, IIT Madras emphasised that considering the diversity of electric vehicle platforms and models that will be in India there is an opportunity to work at all levels and gain tremendous technology capabilities.