Chennai, 24th March 2025 – A Landmark Initiative in E-Mobility
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has taken a significant step toward accelerating India’s transition to electric mobility by launching the ‘Zero e-Mission’ initiative.
This comprehensive program encompasses multiple domains, including education, skilling, research, policy, outreach, and safety in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Engineering Design, IIT Madras, focuses on fostering industry collaborations to drive India’s electric vehicle transformation and ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
Key Initiatives Under ‘Zero e-Mission’
IIT Madras has introduced several state-of-the-art facilities and programs as part of the ‘Zero e-Mission’ initiative. These include:
1. EV Battery Engineering Lab
A cutting-edge research facility dedicated to analyzing and optimizing battery performance for electric vehicles. The lab focuses on:
- Enhancing battery efficiency for EVs
- Improving battery lifespan and safety
- Research on advanced battery materials and chemistries
2. Battery Charging Infrastructure Laboratory
A specialized facility aimed at developing next-generation charging solutions for electric vehicles. The key focus areas include:
- Onboard & Offboard Chargers for seamless charging
- Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) Solutions to reduce charging time
- Wireless Charging Systems for convenient power transfer
- Battery Swapping Technologies for efficiency in fleet operations
- Grid Integration Solutions for EVs
3. Certificate Programme on e-Mobility
A 100-hour online certification course designed to provide professionals with in-depth knowledge of the EV sector. This program covers:
- Fundamentals of electric mobility and battery technology
- EV charging infrastructure and power management
- Policy framework and industry best practices
4. Web-Enabled M.Tech in E-Mobility
A first-of-its-kind degree program for working professionals, providing specialized training in electric vehicle technology. This program offers:
- Advanced coursework in EV design and development
- Hands-on experience with battery and charging technologies
- Insights into government policies and industry trends
Grand Launch at IIT Madras Campus
The official launch of the ‘Zero e-Mission’ initiative took place on 24th March 2025 at the IIT Madras campus. The event witnessed participation from eminent dignitaries, including:
- Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India (Chief Guest)
- Dr. Preeti Banzal, Scientist G, Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India
- Mr. PK Banerjee, Executive Director, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM)
Additionally, key officials from IIT Madras, including Prof. V. Kamakoti (Director), Prof. Manu Santhanam (Dean, ICSR), Prof. CS Shankar Ram (Head, Department of Engineering Design),
Prof. Karthick Athmanathan (Professor of Practice), and Mr. Ajithkumar T K (CEO, Centre of Excellence for Zero Emission Trucking – CoEZET), were present at the launch event.
Statements from Industry and Government Leaders
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras
“We have been working on this initiative for the past four years. Through this mission, we aim to provide comprehensive solutions that cater to both the government and industry. Our focus is on research, skill development, and industry collaboration to fast-track India’s electric mobility growth.”
Dr. Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries
“The Ministry of Heavy Industries is committed to the electrification of road transport in India. IIT Madras’ structured initiatives will play a vital role in supporting government policies and industry growth. The expertise of IITM will help in implementing key policy decisions for rapid EV adoption.”
Dr. Preeti Banzal, Scientist G, Office of the PSA, Government of India
“India must ensure a competitive edge in electric mobility through continuous research and innovation. IIT Madras, in collaboration with organizations like ARAI Pune, has identified crucial areas where India needs to lead in EV technology.”
Mr. PK Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM
“The Indian automotive industry is committed to achieving ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’. Our goal is to leverage e-mobility to reach fossil fuel independence by 2047. SIAM and its members are dedicated to ensuring energy security and emission reduction for a sustainable future.”
Report on Safe Electrification of Battery Electric Trucks
At the event, IIT Madras also unveiled a technical report on the safety of battery electric trucks (BET) for transporting inflammable and hazardous goods. The report provides:
- A detailed evaluation of battery chemistries and fire hazards
- Analysis of past fire incidents and risk factors
- Feasibility studies on safe deployment of BET for heavy-duty transport
- Safety recommendations for preventing thermal runaway and fire hazards
Why is Safe Electrification of Trucks Important?
With India’s trucking industry expanding rapidly, transitioning to electric trucks is a crucial step toward achieving net-zero emissions.
However, transporting flammable and hazardous goods using battery electric trucks poses unique safety challenges. The IIT Madras report highlights practical solutions to enhance safety and reliability in this sector.
India’s Roadmap for E-Mobility Growth
The launch of ‘Zero e-Mission’ aligns with India’s broader vision of sustainable transportation and energy security. The government, in collaboration with industry leaders and research institutions, is focusing on:
✅ Developing robust EV infrastructure across the country
✅ Investing in research and innovation for advanced battery technologies
✅ Formulating policies to encourage EV adoption in both commercial and personal vehicle segments
✅ Enhancing skilling programs to create a workforce ready for the EV industry
Conclusion
The ‘Zero e-Mission’ initiative by IIT Madras marks a major milestone in India’s electric mobility journey. With a holistic approach covering education, research, industry collaboration, and policy development, this initiative is set to accelerate EV adoption and make India a global leader in electric transportation.
