The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has launched its 100 kW DC fast charger for use on cars and buses, with the entity also planning technology transfers to expand its reach. The charger was launched by Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union minister of heavy industries. Pandey also laid the foundation stone of ARAI’s Mobility Research Centre (MRC), coming up at Takwe, on the outskirts of Pune. The MRC will include facilities for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, cylinder tests, among others.
At the launch event on Thursday, Pandey said, “I had informed the Parliament that ARAI would develop a fast-charger by October-November 2022 and I’m glad it kept its word. Its USP is that it charges a vehicle for a range of 300 kms in half an hour,”
ARAI said it will share the technology with various companies to expand the reach of the chargers. Pandey said his ministry, along with the petroleum and road transport ministries, has identified 22,000 petrol pumps where charging stations can be set up. ARAI also announced one of its flagship events, the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT), will be held between January 23 and 25th, 2024.
