The Department of Science and Technology has announced a programme, ‘Electric Vehicle Solutions led by Startups (EVolutionS)’, to accelerate EV component manufacturing in the country.

The programme is meant to aid the selected startups in pilot demonstration, testing, validation of components and establishing industry connects for speedy translation of EV solutions to market. Startups in the EV domain have an opportunity to translate their prototypes (proof of concept) into commercially viable products by establishing robust supply chain within the country.

“At present, the industry depends heavily on imported materials, components/ systems due to lack of domestic raw material supply chain and manufacturing base in the country. To address these challenges many innovative startups have also ventured into this domain. While the manufacturing industry is gearing up to ramp up capacities to meet domestic demand, there is a need to give a push to startups to come up with commercially viable products to support the industry,” says a DST statement.

The programme aims to accelerate the transition of EV technologies from proof of concept/prototype (TRL 3-4) to commercially viable products (TRL 6-8) by demonstrating prototypes in real-world settings. It covers components for electric two-, three- and four-wheelers (including L5, e-rickshaw and e-cart), e-buses and EV public charging infrastructure.

Startups that have demonstrated indigenous capability in developing materials, components/ sub-systems inhouse within the country (reaching TRL 3-4) and meeting specific standards/guidelines, will get a grant of ₹50 lakh, including ₹30 lakh in the form of equity-linked instruments.