The Advanced EV Testing Lab in Kolkata, India, is taking a decisive step towards strengthening its electric mobility ecosystem with the inauguration of an advanced Electric Vehicle (EV) Testing Facility at the National Test House (NTH), Alipore Regional Laboratory, Kolkata. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, will inaugurate the facility on 10 September 2025. This state-of-the-art lab is designed to certify EV batteries and components, marking a milestone in India’s journey to achieve 30% EV penetration by 2030 under the government’s 30@30 mission.
Cutting-Edge Infrastructure and Testing Capabilities
The Kolkata EV Testing Facility is equipped with world-class infrastructure to provide comprehensive evaluations for EV batteries and components. Its testing scope covers:
- Safety Testing: Electrical and functional safety assessments, alongside material safety checks such as flammability and glow wire tests.
- Compliance Testing: Certification to ensure conformity with global standards like FCC/ISED.
- Performance & Durability: Rigorous testing for battery performance, long-term durability, and climate resilience.
- Environmental Resistance: Specialized tests including water ingress protection (IP), UV resistance, and corrosion checks.
- International Certification: The lab will issue globally recognised certifications, reducing dependence on foreign testing facilities.
By offering these advanced capabilities, the facility will serve as a national benchmark for EV quality assurance, ensuring that Indian manufacturers meet both domestic and international standards.
Strengthening India’s EV Ecosystem
The establishment of this testing centre comes at a crucial time when India is rapidly scaling up its EV adoption. The facility will directly support manufacturers, especially in eastern India, by providing affordable, reliable, and locally available testing services. This move reduces the industry’s dependency on imported testing solutions and accelerates the product development cycle.
Importantly, the lab will enable early fault detection and improve product reliability, ensuring that Indian-made EVs meet stringent safety norms. For consumers, this translates into greater confidence in the safety and performance of electric vehicles, a key factor in boosting adoption rates.
Context: Addressing Battery Safety Concerns
Battery safety has been a matter of national concern, especially after multiple EV fire incidents reported in 2022. In response, regulatory bodies like the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) updated key guidelines, including AIS-156, to tighten safety requirements for EV batteries. The Kolkata facility will play a vital role in helping manufacturers comply with these updated standards, ensuring safer mobility solutions for Indian roads.
Government’s Push Towards Sustainable Mobility
The launch of this EV Testing Facility is not just about infrastructure—it reflects the Indian government’s commitment to building a self-reliant and robust EV manufacturing ecosystem. By supporting local innovation, aligning products with international standards, and addressing safety challenges, the initiative lays a strong foundation for India’s sustainable mobility future.
As India accelerates towards its clean energy goals, the Kolkata EV Testing Lab is set to become a cornerstone in promoting trust, reliability, and global competitiveness for Indian-made electric vehicles.
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