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The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) are to collaborate to develop a battery for passenger cars using technology which is used to make batteries for space vehicles.
ARAI will develop and test the batteries for use in electric and hybrid electric vehicles and offer the technology to manufacturers for mass production. This will significantly cut their cost, ARAI Director Rashmi Urdhwareshe said. She was speaking to reporters at the golden jubilee celebrations of the research organisation.
The focus of the research will be to develop technology in EV/HEV applications for Indian automotive industry and facilitate promotion of green mobility platform. This will also promote import substitution and the government’s mission of making in India, Urdhwareshe said.
VSSC has successfully lab-tested the technology used to make for batteries for space applications for auto-sector applications. ARAI will test it at the vehicle level and will come out with a prototype in about one year’s time. In addition to developing the battery, ARAI will also develop a battery and thermal management system to make it safe for the vehicles and passengers. “Thereafter industry should come forward to manufacture these batteries for supply to auto manufacturers keeping in mind the affordability aspect,” she added.
Dr K Sivam, Director of VSSC, said that as the concept of using batteries used in space vehicles for automobiles had been proved, the collaboration with ARAI will enable it to be tested for use in vehicles. The third stage will be to pass on the technology to a mass manufacturer when complementary technology aspects and volumes will determine the affordability of the battery, Sivam said, adding “The intention is to bring down the cost of the battery to less than a tenth of what an imported one costs.”
Amongst other plans revealed was ARAI’s plan to set up a museum that which will display the journey of India’s automobile industry. The blueprint for the project is ready. It is also preparing to undertake a data collection project for on-road measurement of pollution from diesel vehicles and old vehicles.
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