EV makers need not turn overseas for vehicle tests anymore

Indore: If you are an electrical vehicle manufacturer, you don’t have to turn to overseas laboratories anymore for testing batteries or electrical parts, a critical assessment before the vehicles pass from the supply line to owners’ garages. In a move that could significantly cut dependence of EV makers on overseas laboratories for testing critical electric vehicle components, NATRAX in Indore’s Pithampur is set to introduce advanced facilities for EV batteries, electric motors, e-axles and high-voltage systems.

The testing facility has approved about Rs 250 crore for the upgrade, which is also tipped to boost its push into future mobility technologies, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), connected vehicles and testing for upcoming emission norms. Spread over nearly 3,000 acres, NATRAX is among the country’s premier automotive testing facilities, housing Asia’s largest automotive proving ground with 14 specialised test tracks, including an 11.3-km high-speed track.

Hundreds of organisations use the facility annually, with more than a couple of hundred vehicles undergoing tests and assessment of critical components every month. The expansion will strengthen its capabilities beyond conventional vehicle testing, positioning the centre to cater to emerging automotive technologies.

Speaking to TOI, Dr Manish Jaiswal, director, NATRAX, said, “The upgraded infrastructure is expected to create opportunities for NATRAX to diversify its service portfolio, attract new customers, increase facility utilisation and generate additional revenue through testing and validation services. It will also help us expand EV manufacturing across the value chain in central India.”The new infrastructure upgrade at the facility will include specialised equipment for testing EV batteries, electric motors, e-axles, electromagnetic compatibility and interference (EMC/EMI), environmental testing and high-voltage components.

These facilities will help manufacturers assess performance, safety and regulatory compliance of electric cars, buses, commercial vehicles and automotive components. NATRAX is also expanding its capabilities in ADAS and connected vehicle technologies while preparing to test vehicles against future emission standards.

This will allow manufacturers developing new-generation vehicles to access a wider range of testing and validation services within the country. The modernisation programme at the facility is being implemented under the Centre’s PM E-DRIVE scheme.

According to NATRAX, purchase orders have already been placed for all 27 contracts with about 60% of the equipment expected to become operational during 2027. The remaining equipment is targeted for commissioning by March 2028.“A major objective of the investment is to reduce the time and expenditure involved in sending automotive components overseas for specialised testing.

The upgraded facilities are expected to benefit domestic and international automobile manufacturers, EV battery producers, component suppliers and technology startups,” Jaiswal said. The expansion will also support indigenous technology development by allowing manufacturers to test and validate components closer to their production and research facilities.

The additional capabilities are expected to attract more automotive R&D projects, increase testing volumes and strengthen the automotive manufacturing ecosystem in central India, officials said. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Indore | Silver Rate in Indore | Bank Holidays in Indore | Public Holidays in Indore | Petrol Price in Indore | Diesel Price in Indore | CNG Price in Indore | LPG Price in Indore Stay updated with the latest Indore news.