India, UK join hands to accelerate industry-focused EV tech

The India–UK Collaborative R&D Programme is expected to accelerate the development of advanced, industry-relevant technologies for electric mobility, with innovations in EV charging infrastructure seen as key to faster adoption, a senior government official said on Monday. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary at the Technology Development Board, made the remarks as the board signed an agreement with Scharge Private Limited to develop a next-generation EV charging solution for commercial fleets and depot operations under the programme, according to an official statement.

Under the agreement, Scharge will develop an EV charger charge controller featuring a patented automated cable management system from Albright Product Design Limited. The system is designed to improve efficiency, safety and usability in high-demand charging environments. The solution includes a motorised overhead cable management setup aimed at fleet applications, reducing manual handling, limiting cable wear and improving ease of use. It is compatible with existing AC Type-2 chargers and is expected to improve turnaround time while ensuring organised depot operations.

The technology also addresses issues such as cable management, equipment protection and workflow efficiency, while reducing risks related to cable damage, vandalism and operational hazards. Scharge, which develops power electronics and smart charging systems, aims to use the project to strengthen domestic capabilities in EV charging and support scalable infrastructure for the growing electric mobility sector, the statement added.