On May 29th, a virtual talk session titled “Test Certification of Retrofit Electric Vehicles (EVs)” was held at 7:30 PM. The event drew a diverse group of attendees, including engineering students, researchers, educators, and professionals from the automotive and electrical engineering fields. Dr. Reji Mathai, Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), led the session. ARAI is a premier testing and certification authority in India’s automotive sector. The event was organized jointly by the IEEE VTS Kerala Chapter, IEEE Education Society Kerala Chapter, and the IEEE IAS/IES/PELS Joint Chapter Kerala, in association with the IEEE Kerala Section.
This initiative aimed to bridge the knowledge gap around standards, safety protocols, and government regulations for retrofitting conventional vehicles into electric ones. Promoting such knowledge is essential for achieving sustainable and green mobility solutions. The use of Google Meet helped ensure wide participation and created an inclusive learning environment. The session offered a clear and detailed understanding of the role of test certification in enabling the adoption and scaling of retrofitted EVs. Dr. Reji Mathai explained the technical and procedural aspects of certification. He also described ARAI’s role in setting benchmarks and how these standards impact the safety and performance of EVs on Indian roads. Moreover, he shared practical insights into testing facilities, homologation procedures, and challenges faced by manufacturers and retrofit solution providers. These challenges often involve meeting complex regulatory standards.
The session was a success, with over 100 participants actively engaging throughout. Attendees gained valuable exposure to certification processes. Topics included battery safety, drivetrain efficiency, and the environmental effects of retrofitting. The interactive Q&A segment made the session even more enriching. Participants asked thoughtful questions related to compliance, innovation, and the future of EV retrofitting in India. Overall, the talk proved highly beneficial. It promoted awareness and encouraged informed discussion among future engineers and industry professionals alike. Most importantly, it highlighted the need for proactive learning and readiness to contribute to India’s growing electric vehicle ecosystem.