Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy introduced the Light Electric-Vehicle Acceleration Forum (LEAF) on Monday. This consortium, designed to bolster the EV charging ecosystem, serves as a neutral platform uniting stakeholders in the light electric vehicle (LEV) sector. Participants include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), charging infrastructure operators, component manufacturers, and technology providers.
The forum’s objective is to collaborate with government bodies, regulatory authorities, and industry associations. Together, they aim to enhance EV charging infrastructure and expedite the adoption of electric two- and three-wheelers in the nation. Kumaraswamy expressed that this initiative would propel the growth of light electric mobility and fortify the EV ecosystem by enhancing interoperability, reliability, and expanding charging infrastructure.
Emphasizing the government’s vision of a self-reliant and future-ready India, Kumaraswamy highlighted the broader goals of sustainable mobility and reduced carbon emissions. He stressed the significance of robust industry-government partnerships in establishing a sustainable, accessible, and globally competitive electric mobility ecosystem. The LEAF initiative focuses on enhancing interoperability across charging networks, ensuring reliability, and providing a consistent user experience while broadening access to public charging infrastructure.
Efforts such as the development of the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS), endorsed by the Bureau of Indian Standards, are underway to facilitate both slow and fast charging through a unified connector standard. The forum has already united more than 20 organizations from the EV ecosystem, including vehicle manufacturers, charge point operators, suppliers, and software providers. It anticipates expanding its membership in the upcoming months to further its objectives.
Industry representatives underscored the importance of addressing challenges like fragmented charging networks and inconsistent user experiences as electric vehicle adoption gains traction in India. They highlighted that enhancing interoperability and establishing a scalable public charging ecosystem would be pivotal in accelerating electric mobility across the country.
