MeitY Unveils Indigenous 30kW EV Drive System to Boost India’s Electric Mobility Localisation

In a major push toward ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the electric vehicle sector, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has officially launched an indigenous 30kW Wide Band Gap (WBG)-based Integrated Drive System (IDS). Developed to reduce the country’s reliance on imported powertrains, the system was unveiled at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras by MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan.

A Milestone in Domestic EV Power Electronics

Currently, a significant portion of high-performance EV powertrain systems and semiconductor-based components used in Indian electric cars are imported. This new 30kW drive system, developed under the National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET), aims to fill this gap.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram, IIT Madras, and industry partner Lucas TVS.

Key Technical Features & Innovation

Unlike conventional EV setups where the motor and inverter are separate components, this new Integrated Drive System (IDS) combines them into a single, compact unit.

• Power Class : 30kW, specifically optimized for the Indian electric passenger vehicle market.

• Target Segments : Ideal for compact electric cars and fleet mobility platforms (taxis and commercial transport).

• Design-Led Innovation : The integration reduces the overall footprint and weight of the powertrain while improving thermal management.

Impact on the Indian EV Supply Chain

The launch of this indigenous system is expected to have a ripple effect across the domestic manufacturing ecosystem

1. Reduced Import Dependence : By localizing the production of complex drive systems, India can lower its trade deficit in the EV sector.

2. Cost Efficiency : Localized manufacturing will help OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) lower the overall sticker price of electric cars for Indian consumers.

3. Support for MSMEs : The shift toward domestic power electronics and thermal systems creates new opportunities for Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises.

4. PLI Scheme Alignment : The technology supports the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, encouraging large-scale scalable manufacturing.

The Road Ahead

Speaking at the launch, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan highlighted that this initiative marks India’s transition from a technology-importing nation to a developer of advanced systems. The success of this 30kW system paves the way for India to potentially export high-tech mobility solutions to global markets in the future.

With major players like Lucas TVS involved in the validation and production phase, the industry expects this drive system to soon find its way into upcoming electric vehicle models, strengthening the "Made in India" tag in the global EV race.