PM E-DRIVE Scheme: Global Automotive Research Centre Expands Testing Capabilities
The Chennai-based Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) is upgrading its testing infrastructure for electric and advanced vehicle technologies under the PM E-DRIVE scheme.
The Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC), located in Oragadam, Chennai, under the National Automotive Board of the Ministry of Heavy Industries, is further expanding its testing capabilities. GARC currently operates as an authorized testing agency under Rule 126 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, where it conducts testing, research and development, homologation, and certification of vehicles and their components.
GARC is enhancing its testing infrastructure through the Government of India's 'Prime Minister Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement' (PM E-DRIVE) scheme. A total budget of 10,900 crore rupees has been earmarked for the PM E-DRIVE scheme, of which 780 crore rupees have been specifically allocated for the upgrading of testing agencies. This scheme will remain effective until March 31, 2028.
GARC has been allocated 221.13 crore rupees for this project, and purchase orders for most of the proposed equipment have already been issued. The key facilities being established and upgraded at the center include an electric vehicle and EV battery testing facility according to AIS-156 standards, an EV EMI/EMC testing facility under AIS-004 Part 3 Revised.1, and a heavy commercial vehicle testing facility. Additionally, the center is focusing on the modernization of the powertrain lab and an advanced passive safety testing facility equipped with dummies and dummy calibration tools. Other upgrades include an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) testing facility with soft targets and necessary equipment, as well as facilities for testing automotive components.
The institute has already commenced the installation of equipment. This includes a critical high-speed and high-resolution imaging system capable of UHD-4K cameras (750 FPS) and Full HD recording (3,000 FPS). This system will record events such as vehicle deflection, passenger movement, and airbag deployment during frontal, side, and rear crash tests, making safety analysis and the homologation process more effective.
Developed with the support of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, this infrastructure will strengthen India's indigenous testing and certification capabilities for electric vehicles, batteries, ADAS, and heavy commercial vehicles, enabling the Indian automotive industry to become more competitive on a global scale.
