ARAI Collaborates with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre to Develop Batteries at Economical Cost

Probably a good news for the environmentalists, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has joined hands with the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre to develop batteries at low cost for use in electric vehicles. The biggest challenge with electric technology is the high initial cost associated with it. This is also one of the major reasons why hybrid vehicles have not captured the market in India as per expectations. The collaboration aims to bring down cost of batteries which are required in electric vehicles.

K. Sivan, director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre said that the concept for automobile batteries is the same as that of space vehicles. “Now with the ARAI collaboration, it will be tested for use in cars. The third stage will be to pass on the technology to a mass manufacturer when complementary technology aspects and volumes will determine affordability,” he added. "ARAI will develop and test batteries for use in electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) before offering the technology to manufacturers for mass production," said Rashmi Urdhwareshe, ARAI director. She further added, "The focus of the research will be to develop technology in EV-HEV applications for Indian automotive industry and facilitate pro motion of green mobility platform. This will also promote import substitution and the government's mission of Make in India."

Automakers are trying their best to push the technology into market. Recently, Tata Motors joined hands with Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra to invest in manufacturing of the components required by electric vehicles. The initiative by ARAI is likely to assist such efforts by various carmakers.

Also Read: Electric Cars to be Tax-Free in Maharashtra!