MAHA-EV Mission to Boost India’s Electric Vehicle Industry

Why in the news?

  • The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched the MAHA-EV Mission, a part of the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas.
  • The initiative aims to develop domestic Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies, reducing reliance on imports and fostering innovation.

MAHA-EV Mission to Boost India’s Electric Vehicle Industry

Key Focus Areas:

  • The mission is designed to encourage multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary collaborations addressing crucial scientific challenges.
  • The focus is on three major technology areas:
    • Tropical EV Batteries and Battery Cells
    • Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD)
    • Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
  • It seeks to propel India’s technological advancement in the EV sector to establish global competitiveness.

Significance:

  • MAHA-EV will boost domestic capabilities for designing and developing critical EV components.
  • By positioning India as a hub for EV innovation, it will enhance the country’s global standing in the industry.
  • The mission supports the transition to electric mobility, contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly future.

About Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG):

  • Aims to position India as a global leader in science and technology.
  • Provides flexible budgets to early career researchers for ease of research.
  • Focuses on fostering high-quality, innovative research and expanding knowledge boundaries.
  • Drives technological progress by supporting young researchers.

Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas – Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV):

  • Focuses on developing key Electric Vehicle (EV) technologies, aligned with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision.
  • Aims to reduce dependency on imports and promote domestic innovation.
  • Concentrates on three critical technology verticals:
  • Tropical EV Batteries and Battery Cells Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD)
  • EV Charging Infrastructure
  • Enhances domestic design and development capabilities for essential EV components.
  • Seeks to position India as a global hub for EV component innovation and contribute to a sustainable future.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF):

  • Established under the ANRF Act 2023, operating under the Department of Science & Technology.
  • Subsumes the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB).
  • Aims to seed, grow, and promote R&D in universities, research institutions, and laboratories across India.
  • Provides high-level strategic direction for scientific research based on National Education Policy recommendations.

    Sources Referred:

    PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times