The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is accelerating India’s electric mobility transformation with advanced battery testing laboratories, EV powertrain validation systems, and upcoming automotive testing centres in Pune and Karnataka. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the organization has announced major infrastructure investments supported by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The expansion of ARAI EV Testing Facilities aims to strengthen electric vehicle safety, battery certification, crash testing, and indigenous automotive research.
Union Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy inaugurated key facilities in Pune, highlighting India’s growing emphasis on domestic EV technology development, international compliance, and next-generation mobility solutions for automotive manufacturers.
Quick Answer: ARAI is expanding EV battery, powertrain, and crash-testing infrastructure in Pune while planning new EV and construction equipment testing centres in Karnataka. The initiative includes a ₹55-crore battery laboratory, a 440 kW powertrain facility, and government-backed technology upgrades.
₹55-Crore Battery Laboratory Strengthens EV Safety
The newly inaugurated Advanced Battery Laboratory will assess battery cells and packs used in electric two-wheelers, cars, buses, and hybrid vehicles. Testing will examine performance, certification requirements, and failures under demanding conditions.
Key evaluations include:
- Thermal propagation and fire exposure
- Crush, vibration, and short-circuit resistance
- Battery safety and export compliance
These capabilities should help manufacturers validate products domestically and improve confidence in electric vehicle reliability.
New 440 kW EV Powertrain Testing Facility
ARAI has also commissioned a two-dynamometer, 440 kW e-axle testing system. The equipment supports development and validation of electric propulsion technologies for passenger and commercial vehicles.
Together, these ARAI EV Testing Facilities can reduce dependence on overseas laboratories and support faster engineering assessments.
Chakan Crash-Test Centre Planned
ARAI signed a memorandum of understanding with Skoda Auto Volkswagen India for land in Chakan, Pune, earmarked for an Advanced Crash Test Facility.
The proposed centre will test battery electric and conventional vehicles, supporting Bharat NCAP assessments, vehicle homologation, and export-related safety requirements. The agreement represents a planned facility, not an operational launch.
Karnataka Expansion Faces Land Hurdles
In Mandya, Karnataka, ARAI plans separate centres for electric vehicle testing and construction and infrastructure equipment evaluation.
The projects require approximately 160 acres. Land allocation, however, remains pending following months of discussions with state authorities. Once approved, the facilities could accommodate space-intensive equipment testing and ease pressure on existing Pune sites.
Government Funding and Future Technology
ARAI’s expansion is supported by a ₹76-crore Ministry of Heavy Industries capital grant for technology upgrades. Separately, ₹79.96 crore has been earmarked for ARAI under PM E-DRIVE testing-agency modernization.
Planned research priorities include:
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- Wireless charging and charging infrastructure
- Alternative battery chemistries and vehicle cybersecurity
- High-pressure cylinder testing and support for MSMEs
ARAI Director Reji Mathai outlined a strategy centred on innovation, artificial intelligence, simulation, and advanced manufacturing, with technologies expected to feature at Bharat Mobility 2027.
As India strengthens its electric vehicle manufacturing ambitions, ARAI EV Testing Facilities could play an increasingly important role in safer vehicles, reliable local certification, and globally competitive automotive engineering.
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