Goa: The automotive research and development organization Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is working on the development of fast chargers for e-vehicles, Heavy Industry Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey said on Saturday.
The autonomous facility based in Pune has already developed a prototype of the product, he told the PTI on the sidelines of the “Round Table To Promote Electric Mobility” organized by the Ministry of Heavy Industry.
When asked about the challenges related to the use of e-vehicles, he said: “This (problem) is talked about as requiring more time (charging an e-vehicle battery). ARAI has been directed to work on it. In fact, they have developed a prototype fast charger and the product should be ready by December 2022. ”
ARAI has been asked to complete the project by October 2022 so that it can be made available to users for use by December, he said.
The introduction of fast chargers will address the charging problem and increase the demand for battery vehicles, the minister said, adding that research is still ongoing and, once completed, will determine the specific charging time of a two-wheeled electric vehicle, tricycle and four-wheeled E. Vehicles become known.
Pandey said his department is also in talks with the Department of Petroleum and Natural Gas to install chargers at 22,000 pumps across the country.
Without giving a timetable, he said there are around 70,000 pumps across the country and a charging station is planned to be 25 km away on highways and within a 3 km radius in cities.
The minister also said that at the round table he asked industry stakeholders to brief his ministry on their problems.
“I have asked the players to discuss and raise their concerns. I assure them that they will fully support them in resolving the issues that have come to my attention.”
Transportation ministers from eight states, top officials from 19 states, and industry leaders from the automotive sector attended the round table to discuss ways to promote electric vehicles in the country and attract investment.
Meanwhile, Pandey quoted in a statement by the Ministry of Heavy Industry: “India’s transition to the electric mobility system can save 20 lakh crore Rs by 2030 just by avoiding oil imports.”
The statement said the minister has directed Indian automakers to look for a large share of the global electric vehicle market.
The growth of the auto industry will also help India deliver on the pledges made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26, he said. During the round table, the minister also stressed the need to accelerate the production and introduction of electric vehicles in India.
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