The autonomous institution based in Pune has already developed a prototype of the product, he told PTI on the sidelines of the “Roundtable to promote electric mobility” event organized by the Ministry of Heavy Industries here.

Asked about the challenges of using electric vehicles, he said, “This (problem) is being discussed and takes longer (to charge an electric vehicle battery). ARAI has been tasked with working on it. In fact, they’ve developed a prototype fast charger and the product should be ready by December 2022. ”

ARAI has been asked to complete the project by October 2022, so by December it can be made available to users for use, he informed.

The launch of fast chargers will address the problem of charging and increase the demand for battery-powered vehicles, the minister said, adding that research is still ongoing and after its completion, the specific charging time of a vehicle two-wheeled electric vehicle, three-wheeled vehicle and four-wheeled electric vehicle will be known.

Pandey added that his ministry was also in talks with the Oil and Gas Ministry to install chargers at 22,000 gas pumps across the country.

Without sharing a timeline, he said there were around 70,000 gas pumps across the country and according to the plan a charging station would be 25 km apart on highways and with a radius of 3. km in cities.

The minister also said that at the roundtable he asked industry stakeholders to inform his ministry about their issues.

“I have asked the players to discuss and raise their concerns. I assure them of my full support in resolving any issues that come to my attention.”

Transport ministers from eight states, senior officials from 19 states and automotive industry leaders attended the roundtable to discuss ways to promote electric vehicles in the country and attract investment.

At the same time, in a statement issued by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, Pandey said: “India’s transition to electric mobility system can save Rs 20 lakh crore by 2030 on oil imports alone. avoided “.

The statement said the minister called on Indian automakers to seek a significant share of the global electric vehicle market.

The growth of the auto industry will also help India meet the commitments Prime Minister Narendra Modi made at COP26, he said. During the roundtable, the minister also insisted on accelerating the manufacture and adoption of electric vehicles in India.