IIT Madras launches ‘Zero-e-mission’ to boost EV transition in India

NEW DELHI: Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched ‘Zero-e-mission’, a set of e-mobility initiatives across different domains. The new launches are aimed at boosting the EV transition in India along with strengthening the industry collaborations.

As part of the ‘Zero-e-mission’, the engineering institute unveiled two new facilities and online courses. The initiatives launched consisted of an EV battery engineering lab, battery charging infrastructure laboratory, a certificate programme on e-mobility, and online course on web-enabled MTech in e-mobility.

V Kamakoti, director at IIT Madras, said: “We have been working on this for the last four years and are now in a position to offer a comprehensive set of solutions that address the needs of the country in general and Industry in particular. Our teams have already been providing consulting and skilling services, and it was time we consolidated all our activities and channelized them in a framework that is easier for Government and Industry to exploit.”

The institute launched the initiatives today at the campus where Hanif Qureshi, additional secretary, ministry of heavy industries, Government of India, was the chief guest. Preeti Banzal, scientist G, office of the principal scientific advisor, Government of India, PK Banerjee, executive director, society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), and IIT Madras officials also took part in the event.

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IIT Madras: Initiatives of ‘Zero-e-mission’

The newly launched initiatives by the institute includes infrastructure facility and online programme.

EV Battery Engineering Lab: The facility will be used to analyse the battery performance and do optimisation for electric vehicles that focuses on aspects of battery technology.

Battery Charging Infrastructure Laboratory: A ‘state-of-the-art-’ facility to develop advanced charging solutions for EVs such as onboard and offboard chargers, Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) solutions, wireless charging systems, battery swapping and grid integration.

Certificate Programme on eMobility: Designed for professionals to equip them with “cutting-edge” knowledge in EVs.

Web-Enabled MTech in Emobility: Working professionals can earn a degree and specialise in EV technology through the launched course.

Hanif Qureshi, said: “As a nodal Ministry for e-Mobility, MHI is happy to see such structured initiatives and I am confident that IITM will play a significant role in partnering Government and Industry to help with rapid electrification of Road Transport. The comprehensive approach that IITM is taking in e-Mobility will help in faster implementation of the strategic and policy decisions that Industry and Government will take over the years.”

Recently, the IIT Madras launched a research centre, 'Shri Ramakrishnan Centre of Excellence in Fluid and Thermal Science Research' to support space technology research.

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'Electrification of trucks necessary for net-zero emissions'

Moreover, the IIT Madras also unveiled a technical report on ‘Safe Electrification of Battery Electric Trucks for Inflammable and Hazardous Goods Transportation.’ The report provided knowledge on evaluation of battery chemistries, past fire incidents, and real-world feasibility for safe and efficient Battery Electric Trucks (BET) deployment, as per the official release.

The technical report also throws light on the potential risks such as thermal runaway, fire hazards, and grid integration issues, and also offers solutions to make electrification safer and more reliable, the institute said.

“As India’s trucking industry expands, electrification of medium and heavy-duty trucks is a critical step in achieving net-zero emissions. However, transitioning hazardous and flammable goods transport to battery electric trucks brings unique safety challenges that must be addressed,” it added.

Furthermore, the engineering institute also released a report on 'Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for BETs, which tells about the risk assessment methodology to boost the reliability and safety of BETs in the country's operating conditions.