The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), in august presence of Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari, launched the project on development of ‘Motor Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (Bharat VECTO) for Real Drive Fuel Consumption/CO2 Emissions’.
New Delhi, January 17, 2025: The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the autonomous body under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari; Dr. Reji Mathai, Director – ARAI; Mr. P.K. Banerjee, Chief Executive Director, SIAM; and Dr. Sukrut S. Thipse, Senior Deputy Director – ARAI and Bharat VECTO Project Leader, today launched the project on development of ‘Motor Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool (Bharat VECTO) for Real Drive Fuel Consumption/CO2 Emissions’, a landmark initiative in India’s homologation process.
The developed Bharat VECTO will calculate realistic fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs) (GVW > 3.5 tons) on a drive cycle basis in alignment with Europe, USA, Japan, China and other global standards. The tool will form a part of the upcoming BS-VII regulations.
SCOE (Standing Committee on Implementation of Emission Legislations) recognized the need for this development under BS-VII and directed ARAI, SIAM and OEMs to collaborate, with ARAI as the initiator. Accordingly, ARAI has taken necessary initiatives and formed a consortium with OEM support under SIAM guidance.
Under the Bharat VECTO project, different mission profiles will be developed to cover all HDV categories, driving patterns and road terrains. The developed tool will be evaluated on selected vehicle categories before finalization. Bharat VECTO will cater to Internal Combustion Engine vehicles, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Fuel Cell EVs and Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) in a phased manner.
ARAI is showcasing its technology and services at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 at Stall No. H11-04, Bharat Mandapam; H2-02, Yashobhoomi; H1-A14, India Expo Centre & Mart from 17th to 22nd January 2025.
ARAI is displaying innovations in green mobility and safety technology along with an extensive service portfolio. Concept Demo of Over-Head Automated Charging Device (OH-ACD), developed in association with IIT-Madras, is on display at Bharat Mandapam. The OH-ACD represents a leap forward in fast charging solutions with 600kW charging power, 1000V voltage and 600A current.
Along with OH-ACD, ARAI is also displaying its in-house ADAS Validation Platform, a Light Commercial Vehicle with E-Axle, a 117 HP Engine for a European customer, Battery Management System Training Kit and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Powertrain.
For components, systems and sub-systems, ARAI offers a dedicated service portfolio for certification and developmental validation support.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI said,
“It is a great pleasure to host Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari for the launch of Bharat VECTO project. The Motor Vehicle Energy Consumption Calculation Tool will accelerate industry-wide adoption of green mobility.”
“ARAI has been fundamental in innovating sustainable mobility technologies like the Over-Head Automated Charging Device and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Powertrain.”
About The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI):
The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is a cooperative industrial research association of the automotive industry with the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India. It provides technical expertise in R&D, testing, certification and homologation.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Atul Thakare
Email: thakare.dts@araiindia.com
Tel: +91-20-67621141/34