The Scientific and Industrial Testing and Research Centre (SITARC) in Coimbatore is gearing up to establish a state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) testing and training facility. Minister V. Senthil Balaji recently laid the foundation for this ₹9.97 crore initiative aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in transitioning to EV manufacturing. The Tamil Nadu government will provide 90% of the funding for the project, with SITARC collaborating with CODISSIA and SIEMA to bring the facility into operation.
The upcoming facility will focus on testing motors and controllers used in two-wheelers and three-wheelers while also providing specialized training to MSMEs. These programs are designed to help industries upgrade from traditional induction motors to advanced EV motors, enhancing their production capabilities. Coimbatore, already recognized for its strong motor and pump manufacturing industry, is steadily emerging as a hub for EV manufacturing with more than 70 EV component manufacturers currently operating in the region. The SITARC EV Foundation will offer vital testing and certification services, enabling local enterprises to stay competitive and meet the demands of a rapidly evolving market.
This project builds on the Tamil Nadu MSME EV Skilling Programme, which was launched in 2023 by WRI India and FaMe Tamil Nadu to boost the capacity of MSMEs in the EV sector. In addition to testing services, the facility will also provide training programs for professionals and academic institutions, focusing on improving technical skills, operational efficiency and strengthening innovation. SITARC has announced that the facility is expected to be operational within six months. Once the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government is finalized, machinery orders will be placed, marking the next step in this initiative to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s leadership in EV manufacturing.
