To promote indigenous electric vehicle (EV) technologies and foster the growth of India’s electric mobility ecosystem, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), launched MeitY-MHI Joint Call for Proposals for the development of EV sub-systems.
The initiative, which was unveiled by Shri S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, aims to accelerate innovation in EV technology and support the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission.
The joint initiative seeks to enhance the development of indigenous technologies in critical EV sub-systems, including EV chargers, battery management systems, electric drives, and telematics, among others. This move is designed to empower Indian innovators, researchers, and industry stakeholders to develop cutting-edge solutions that will not only meet domestic demands but also position India as a global leader in EV technology.
During the launch, S Krishnan emphasized the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and researchers to develop advanced EV technologies. He stated: “The Innovators and Researchers in collaboration with industry and academia can boost the technology development and make available indigenous products for EV Ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, MHI said: “MeitY-MHI joint call for proposal will enhance the development of indigenous technologies in the EV sector.”
Key Focus Areas
The joint call for proposals will focus on several key areas essential for the growth of the EV sector, including:
- EV Chargers and Charging Infrastructure: Developing efficient and scalable charging solutions for EVs, covering both AC and DC charging at various voltage levels.
- Electric Machines and Drives: Creating advanced electric motors and drive controllers to improve vehicle performance.
- Battery Management Systems (BMS): Focusing on the development of intelligent, safe, and efficient battery solutions.
- Telematics, Functional Safety and Security: Ensuring the security and safety of EVs, particularly in terms of their electronics and software systems.
- Prototyping: Facilitating the testing and validation of new EV sub-systems for potential commercialization.
The initiative invites participation from startups, academic institutions, and industry players, offering a unique opportunity to access both financial and technical support. While MeitY will provide financial backing for selected proposals, MHI will ensure standardization and testing of developed technologies.
One of the key objectives of the program is to encourage the development of EV sub-systems with a high percentage of indigenous components, making them cost-effective and ready for commercialization. Proposals that aim for Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 7 or above—indicating near-commercial readiness—will be prioritized for financial assistance. The initiative also focuses on Regulator Readiness Levels (RRL) and Market Readiness Levels (MRL) to ensure the technology’s successful adoption in the market.
The MeitY-MHI initiative underscores the Government of India’s commitment to building a self-sufficient and sustainable EV ecosystem. With an expected project duration of up to 36 months, proposals that demonstrate a clear roadmap for commercialization and field testing are likely to receive priority consideration. Additionally, projects that form consortiums with academic institutions, R&D organizations, and industry players will have an advantage in scaling up and commercializing the developed products.
The launch of this joint initiative comes at a critical time when India is ramping up efforts to transition to cleaner energy solutions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and meet its carbon reduction targets. This collaborative venture is a testament to the government’s determination to drive innovation in the EV sector, with a focus on achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat—a self-reliant India in the global electric mobility space.
By inviting startups, research institutions, and industry leaders to contribute, the government aims to create an environment where India’s homegrown technologies can flourish and lead the way in global EV innovation.
