It is working on providing suggestions on robust intelligent vehicle technology, how it can be adopted effectively to promote safety and avoid reckless driving.The Automative Research Association of India (ARAI) plans capital expenditure of INR 100 crore to further develop advanced testing labs and overall infrastructure in 2025 across the country.
A few of its testing facilities, located at its new Mobility Research Centre in Takwe, are in the final stages. These facilities are set to be operational next year.
"ARAI's advanced battery safety testing lab will be operational by June 2025. The hydrogen testing facility is to be ready by Dec 2025 and its ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) smart city test track in Takwe will be ready by June next year," Dr Reji Mathai, director, ARAI, told TOI on its 58th annual day.
Furthermore, the cylinder test facilities, certification centres and high energy impact test facility will also take shape in 2025.
ARAI has also been diversifying its portfolio to expand the application of testing and standards to rail, metros, aerospace, mining, construction equipment and white goods industries.
Some of the recently established facilities by ARAI are the Airbag Deployment Facility, Advanced Accelerated Sled, Advanced Photometry & Optics Laboratory and Advanced Noise Vibration & Harshness Developmental Centre.
The authority has undertaken various R&D projects in the domain of electric vehicles, autonomous driving and engine development. It emphasised the need to develop a stronger EV ecosystem, enhance component manufacturing and build structurally stronger vehicles.
To cater to alternative fuels like methanol, hydrogen, HCNG, DME, ethanol, LNG, bio-CNG, diesel-CNG, ARAI has established an Alternate Fuel Centre.
It is working on providing suggestions on robust intelligent vehicle technology, how it can be adopted effectively to promote safety and avoid reckless driving.
On ARAI's plans to expand its facilities on Pune's biodiversity hotspot Vetal Tekdi, officials said discussions are still ongoing with the forest department. "We don't want to harm the environment. We are also acquiring land in other places as there is a need for EV competencies to be built up, bigger tracks and larger testing facilities," said Mathai.
