This facility will also provide crucial training to help local industries transition from traditional induction motors to EV motors. A common facility centre for testing electric vehicle (EV) motors and controllers is set to be established on the Scientific and Industrial Testing and Research Centre (SITARC) EV Foundation premises in the Kurichi SIDCO Industrial Estate on Pollachi Road, Coimbatore, at a cost of INR 9.97 crore.
Coimbatore, renowned for its thriving motor and pump industry, is emerging as a hub for EV manufacturing, with over 70 EV component manufacturing units currently operating in the city.
"In response, SITARC is setting up the SITARC EV Foundation, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to testing EV motors and controllers for two-wheelers," said K Mohan Senthil Kumar, president of SITARC.
This facility will also provide crucial training to help local industries transition from traditional induction motors to EV motors. It will support the development, testing, and certification of new EV technologies, he explained. In September 2023, WRI India and FaMe Tamil Nadu launched the Tamil Nadu MSME EV Skilling Program in Coimbatore. The program aims to position Tamil Nadu as a leading destination for EV manufacturing by enhancing the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the sector.
Building on this initiative, SITARC, in partnership with the Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) and the Southern India Engineering Manufacturers' Association (SIEMA), has proposed a INR 9.97 crore project to assist MSMEs in transitioning to EV manufacturing. The Coimbatore Industrial Infrastructure Association (COINDIA) is also supporting the project.
"Along with testing services, the SITARC EV Foundation will offer specialised training programmes for academic institutions and industry professionals, aiming to enhance technical skills, operational efficiency, and competitiveness among aspiring engineers and blue-collar workers," Mohan Senthil Kumar said. Of the total budget, 90% of the funding will be provided by the state govt, with SITARC contributing the remaining 10%. "Our contribution is ready. We will soon sign an MoU with the state govt, after which the funds will be released. We will then place orders for machinery. We expect the facility to be launched within six months," he added.
