Centre allocates ₹776 crore to upgrade EV testing infrastructure

…called for closer collaboration among testing agencies, vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, and researchers as India develops new automotive technologies and strengthens its manufacturing capabilities. “ We have sanctioned ₹776 crore for upgrading the testing agencies under PM E-Drive, ” Heavy Industries Additional Secretary Hanif Qureshi said. The investment covers ICAT in Manesar, ARAI in Pune, GARC in Chennai, and NATRAX in Indore and is aimed at preparing them for electric vehicles, batteries,…

…outlay has been raised to ₹11,900 crore, while incentives for electric two-wheelers have been extended until March 2028. The program's target for the segment has increased from 24.8 lakh to 45.8 lakh vehicles. Electric two-wheeler penetration reached 9.9 per cent during April–August FY27, up from 6.6 per cent in FY26, Suneet Shukla, chief general manager at IFCI, said. Electric L5 three-wheelers accounted for 46.1 per cent of their segment during the period, compared with 31.7 per cent in FY26. Testing push Qureshi also said ICAT…

…and eventually become self-sustainable. Tractor facilities Kumaraswamy also inaugurated an indigenously developed 100 kN load car, an agricultural-machinery testing facility, and a lift-capacity facility for tractors. “ A practical constraint in tractor performance testing was identified and addressed through an in-house engineering solution, ” Kumaraswamy said. The load car applies controlled resistance while a tractor pulls it, enabling engineers to measure pulling power, wheel slip and fuel consumption under repeatable conditions. The new facilities are…