Electric mobility experts and industry leaders collaborate at MAHA-EV Mission Summit

Researchers, industry leaders, and experts in electric mobility gathered in India for the stakeholders meeting organized under the Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA) Electric Vehicle (EV) Mission. They aimed to discuss collaborative efforts to enhance the country’s e-mobility ecosystem.

Professor Ajay K. Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, emphasized the mission’s significance. He stated, “We launched this mission to support India’s shift to sustainable mobility. The importance of e-mobility within our automobile sector cannot be overstated. This mission is designed to catalyze innovation and collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring India builds robust expertise in EV technology.”

The meeting took place at Vigyan Bhawan, focusing on proposals responding to the call on MAHA-EV, one of the first calls from the newly operationalized Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Professor Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology and CEO of ANRF, outlined the ambitious goals of the MAHA-EV Mission. “We initiated significant investments through ANRF, establishing a high-powered governing board to guide mission strategy. The MAHA-EV Mission aims to foster advancements in EV battery technology, power electronics, and charging infrastructure.”

The first call from ANRF targets boosting India’s expertise in EV battery technology while enhancing research and development in power electronics, machines, and charging infrastructure. This initiative seeks to fast-track translational research and technological breakthroughs in this critical area.

Participants showed enthusiasm for the mission, highlighting India’s commitment to sustainable transportation and developing indigenous R&D in electric mobility. The meeting featured over 300 attendees from academia, government agencies, and industry, both in-person and online. They engaged with senior government officials, clarifying doubts as they prepared to submit proposals for the current call under the MAHA-EV Mission.

Earlier, the Department of Science and Technology published a White Paper on e-mobility, followed by an eMobility R&D Roadmap from the Principal Scientific Adviser’s office. These reports, along with three thematic R&D roadmaps, led to the creation of the MAHA-EV Mission, which will be managed by ANRF. Ultimately, the MAHA-EV initiative aspires to elevate India’s standing in the global EV sector while developing competitive, sustainable electric mobility technologies.