Testing body hits the gas on EV approvals, flex fuel trials

To streamline the process, ARAI has also launched a dedicated portal for localization testing

- Manas Pimpalkhare

Manufacturers need 50% localisation in their products to qualify for incentives under PLI-Auto.

(MINT)

India’s oldest vehicle testing agency, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), is stepping up its role in India’s clean mobility push.

In fiscal year 2025 (FY25), it approved 80 localisation applications under the government's ₹25,938 crore production-linked incentive scheme for automobiles and auto parts (PLI-Auto)—more than double the 39 approvals in FY24, according to its annual report released on September 15.

To streamline the process, ARAI also launched a dedicated portal for localisation testing under the PLI-Auto scheme in June 2024, allowing automakers to submit documents in one place, the report added.

Similarly, ARAI also provided approvals for over 350 vehicle models under the ₹10,900 crore PM E-Drive scheme in FY25.

ARAI did not state the number of models approved under the PME-Drive scheme in the previous fiscal.

These schemes target manufacturers and consumers respectively. PLI-Auto incentivizes manufacturers to make zero-emission vehicles while the PM E-Drive scheme reduces the upfront cost of purchasing an electric vehicle for consumers.