Central Government Plans Financial Support For Research And Development In Key Electric Vehicle Subsystems

In a bid to encourage the local development of Electric Vehicle technologies, the Centre is reportedly working on a programme to fund research and development (R&D) for subsystems needed in EVs.

The programme will be jointly managed by the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) and the ministry of heavy industries (MHI), Economic Times reported.

"This joint call for proposal seeks to encourage a consortium approach for developing technologies. Focus is on supporting practical application of R&D in the EV value chain," Hanif Qureshi, additional secretary, ministry of heavy industries, was quoted as saying by ET.

He added that the initial fund allocation is Rs 100 crore, which can be scaled up depending on the quality of proposals received.

The programme’s goal includes with motors and drive controllers, EV charging infrastructure with multiple charging options in various voltage and current levels, grid disturbances due to EV and battery management systems with safety and intelligence.

Under the proposed plan, MeitY will reportedly have the right to take over ownership of intellectual property rights (IPR) arising out of the project.

"IPR transfer to the private industry may be considered based on contribution by them," Qureshi added.

The call for proposals outlines that expected outcome—whether technology or product— must be cost-effective,quality competitive and ready for commercialisation.

The project support duration is set at 24 months or under (including product development and commercialisation), with prototypes required to be prepared for testing within 18 months.

"The maximum project duration (including product development, field testing and commercialisation) may be up to 36 months depending upon the complexities. However, the proposals with shorter duration will be preferred," a joint note from both the ministries said,

The note added that this initiative is expected to deliver indigenous EV subsystems at an affordable cost following quality standards.

Only domestic companies will qualify for the incentives under this programme, ensuring that the developed technology remains within India.

All scientific societies, R&D laboratories or institutions, central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) and state level public enterprises (SLPEs) will also be eligible to submit their proposals for financial support.

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