The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, announced the dates for its flagship event, the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT-2026), during the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The announcement was made in the presence of H D Kumaraswamy, Minister of Heavy Industries, alongside Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, and Dr Sarvanan, ARAI Governing Council President and CTO of Ashok Leyland.
Additionally, ARAI exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) to foster collaboration in innovation, research, technology development, testing, validation, and engineering services.
The event also marked the launch of the Overhead Automated Charging Device (OH-ACD) concept, a high-speed charging solution for zero-emission vehicles such as electric trucks and buses. Developed in collaboration with IIT Madras, the OH-ACD features a pantograph-based design with 600 kW charging power, 1,000V, and 600A current, enabling seamless and efficient fast charging. This innovation represents a leap forward in green mobility and is expected to lay the groundwork for national regulatory standards through stakeholder consultations.
ARAI is showcasing its extensive portfolio of technologies and services at multiple locations during the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, including Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, and the India Expo Centre & Mart. The exhibits feature cutting-edge innovations such as the ADAS Validation Platform, a light commercial vehicle with an E-Axle, a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Powertrain, a Battery Management System Training Kit, an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS) Bike, and lightweight components developed by ARAI’s Fatigue Material Centre of Excellence.
ARAI’s participation in the expo highlights its commitment to green and safe mobility solutions, with a focus on advancing homologation, developmental testing, and standardisation for the automotive industry. By developing technologies such as the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Powertrain and the OH-ACD, ARAI aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI, said that the support from the Ministry of Heavy Industries has enabled ARAI to expand its portfolio and facilities, enhancing its expertise to serve the automotive industry. He emphasised that ARAI’s innovations, including the OH-ACD and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Powertrain, are designed to support the nation’s transition toward sustainable mobility.
ARAI remains committed to supporting government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme, PM E-DRIVE, and the formulation of standards to ensure safe and sustainable transportation. Through platforms such as TechNovuus, ARAI Academy, and SIAT, the organisation provides avenues for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and upskilling within the automotive sector. The announcements and demonstrations at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo underscore ARAI’s role in driving innovation and setting benchmarks for India’s automotive future.
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