India’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap aimed at propelling India to the forefront of the global electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Highlighting the urgent need for investment in research and development (R&D), Professor Sood asserted that a ₹1,200 crore infusion could pave the way for significant advancements in e-mobility within the next five years.
The ambitious “e-Mobility R&D Roadmap for India” envisions leveraging indigenous innovation to reduce the country’s reliance on imported technologies and materials crucial for EV manufacturing. “Internal combustion engines will soon be obsolete,” Professor Sood stated in an interview with NDTV, emphasizing the imminent shift towards electric vehicles as the primary mode of transportation.
The roadmap, launched under the guidance of Professor Sood and lead author Professor Karthick Athmanathan from IIT Madras, outlines key areas for R&D focus. These include advancements in energy storage cells, electric vehicle aggregates, materials and recycling, and charging infrastructure. Central to this strategy is the development of breakthroughs in battery technology, with promising research directions in sodium-ion and aluminum-ion batteries identified as critical.
“Affordable, lighter, safer, and more durable batteries are essential for widespread EV adoption,” Professor Sood explained, underscoring the need for sustained investment and collaborative efforts across academia, industry, and government sectors.
India’s commitment to e-mobility aligns with its broader environmental goals, aiming for a 45% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 and energy independence by 2047, ultimately leading to a net-zero carbon footprint by 2070. Achieving these targets hinges significantly on scaling up EV production and establishing robust indigenous supply chains for energy storage and renewable energy infrastructure.
The roadmap also addresses the economic implications, recognizing the automobile sector’s substantial contribution to India’s GDP. “We must ensure that this growth aligns with our net-zero vision,” Professor Sood emphasized, calling for a paradigm shift towards research-driven innovation in automotive technology.
As India prepares to unveil its Union Budget, expectations are high for increased incentives and policy support aimed at accelerating EV adoption. The roadmap’s proponents believe that strategic investments today will secure India’s leadership in the global EV market within the next five to seven years.
Source By Agencies