Minister Chhagan Bhujbal Proposes EV Testing Facility in Nashik

Minister Chhagan Bhujbal has proposed the establishment of a state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle (EV) testing facility at the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) campus in Nashik. This initiative aims to develop Nashik district as a key national hub for the electric vehicle and electric mobility sectors.

The proposal was made in a letter to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Bhujbal highlighted that Nashik district is a major industrial, electrical, and automobile hub in Maharashtra, with a strong base of automobile, engineering, electrical systems, and automotive component industries.

The availability of skilled manpower, technical educational institutions, a developed industrial ecosystem, and connectivity provide Nashik with significant potential for the growth of the electric vehicle sector. The CPRI centre in Nashik was inaugurated by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Bhujbal said that expanding the existing CPRI infrastructure to include emerging technologies would be beneficial for the industrial sector. The adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles are increasing rapidly across the country, creating a need for advanced facilities for testing, validation, and certification of EVs, batteries, charging systems, power electronics, and other components.

A dedicated EV testing facility at CPRI Nashik would provide local access to testing and certification services for EV and automotive component manufacturers in Nashik and across Maharashtra. This would help reduce the time and cost involved in testing and certification.

The proposed facility would also promote research and development, innovation, and technology validation in the electric mobility sector. It would create opportunities for skill development in EV technology, battery systems, charging infrastructure, and power electronics, thereby contributing to employment generation.

Bhujbal expressed confidence that a state-of-the-art EV testing ecosystem in Nashik would attract EV and component manufacturers from across the country and give a new direction to the district's industrial development. He said that effectively utilising and expanding the existing CPRI infrastructure in Nashik could provide a major boost to the EV industry in Maharashtra and the country.

The proposal is an opportunity to develop a national-level Centre of Excellence for next-generation electric mobility technology through CPRI Nashik. Bhujbal has urged the Chief Minister and Union Power Minister to recommend the proposal to the Union Ministry of Power and CPRI and initiate steps for a feasibility study and preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

The establishment of an EV testing facility in Nashik would have a significant impact on the industry and the local economy. It would provide a boost to the EV sector, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the growth of the district. The proposal is a step towards making Nashik a key player in the electric vehicle and electric mobility sectors.

In conclusion, the proposal for an EV testing facility in Nashik is a significant development for the district and the state. It has the potential to boost the EV industry, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the growth of the local economy. The establishment of such a facility would be a major step towards making Nashik a key national hub for the electric vehicle and electric mobility sectors.