Apex auto tester looks to accelerate to the green lane

Automotive Research Association of India to focus on electric and hydrogen powertrains

- Manas Pimpalkhare

India's primary vehicle research and testing body plans to expand facilities that are focused on so-called new energy vehicles, seeking to keep pace with the government's rapidly accelerating green mobility drive.

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) will focus on electric and hydrogen-based powertrains or engines as well as research on vehicular emissions, according to two government officials, who declined to be identified.

"One of the two Chakan facilities will undergo capacity expansion... new facilities will be provided for the sector," one of them said.

Currently, ARAI operates from three locations in Pune, Maharashtra—one on Vetal Hill in the heart of the city, and two at Chakan on the city's outskirts. It also has a regional office in Chennai.

The auto testing and research body under the Union ministry of heavy industries saw its operational income in FY24 jump 20% year-on-year to cross ₹500 crore for the first time, driven by the government's robust policy push towards green mobility.