ARAI Unveils 55 Crore Rupee Battery Testing Laboratory and EV Powertrain Facility
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy virtually inaugurated an Advanced Battery Laboratory developed with an investment of approximately 55 crore rupees in Pune, according to reporting by ET Auto. The specialised facility was constructed with joint support from the Ministry of Heavy Industries and the Automotive Research Association of India. The facility was set up through Phase II of the Indian Capital Goods Sector competitiveness scheme under the heavy industries ministry, PIB reported. The centre will expand domestic capabilities in battery testing, validation, safety assessment, and performance evaluation across electric and hybrid vehicle applications. Technical operations will encompass design validation, domestic certification, and export compliance testing in alignment with prevailing and emerging standards.
Powertrain Testing Centre and Electric Mobility Capabilities
During the event, Kumaraswamy also virtually opened ARAI's twin-dynamometer test infrastructure dedicated to electric powertrains and e-axles, ET Auto noted. This advanced setup enables engineers to design, assess, validate, and refine electrified propulsion units for upcoming vehicle architectures. The launch comes as the research organisation marks its Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 60 years of service since its establishment in 1966. Kumaraswamy stated that the newly introduced testing infrastructure will reinforce India's capabilities in electric mobility, battery systems, and vehicular safety while supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives.
Crash Test Facility Agreement with Skoda Auto Volkswagen
The event also witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between ARAI and Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, Hindustan Times reported. The bilateral agreement covers the transfer of a designated land parcel intended for the development of an Advanced Crash Test Facility. The proposed crash facility will provide comprehensive testing, homologation, and advanced safety assessment for both conventional internal combustion models and battery electric vehicles, PIB reported. Industry officials indicated that establishing this indigenous crash-testing capacity will support the rollout of Bharat NCAP and reduce domestic reliance on foreign testing centres.
Skoda Auto Volkswagen India adjusted its future manufacturing expansion layout at its Chakan plant in Pune to transfer an adjacent land parcel to ARAI for establishing the Advanced Crash Test Facility, according to Autocar Professional.
Diamond Jubilee Commemorations and Safety Outreach
As part of its ongoing jubilee commemorations, ARAI introduced a nationwide road safety outreach campaign focusing on public awareness, school education, driver instruction, and digital communication. A commemorative India Post My Stamp marking the institute's 60th anniversary was unveiled alongside the launch of SIAT 2028, ARAI's international automotive symposium, ET Auto reported. ARAI also introduced the ARAI-AMTIF website and outlined expansion plans that include future fire safety testing infrastructure. Prasan Firodia, Vice President of the ARAI Governing Council, stated that multi-stakeholder collaboration remains important as India shifts toward low-carbon mobility. ARAI Director Dr. Reji Mathai stated that these institutional milestones demonstrate the organisation's dedication to supporting national mobility transformation through technological excellence.