Business APAC
April 14, 2025
India’s drive towards self-sufficiency in electric vehicle (EV) technology received a tangible boost as Plugzmart, a startup incubated at IIT Madras, secured a crucial certification. They’ve become the first Indian startup to gain approval from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for a plugzmart EV Fast charger built around core components – the controller and Power Line Communication (PLC) modules – that were developed entirely within the country.
This official nod from ARAI specifically covers the plugzmart EV Fast charger, a 240kW DC unit. This high-capacity unit is engineered for demanding applications like powering heavy electric vehicles, serving commercial fleets, installing along highway corridors, and rapidly charging premium passenger EVs. Successfully achieving this certification marks a clear move away from the common practice of relying on imported technology for these vital charger elements, strongly supporting the national ‘Make in India’ objectives.
ARAI, known as India’s leading automotive R&D organization and certification authority (a body set up jointly by the auto industry and the government), put the Plugzmart EV Fast charger through extensive evaluation. Earning this certification confirms that the charger meets stringent benchmarks for operational safety, power efficiency, and long-term reliability and conforms to both Indian standards (such as AIS-138 Part 2 for DC charging) and international safety protocols.
True ‘Make in India’ Tech
What makes Plugzmart’s accomplishment particularly noteworthy is their successful in-house development of the charger’s complex control systems – spanning the hardware design, the operating software, the main controller logic, and the PLC communication modules. While other firms have previously gained ARAI certification for their charger units, Plugzmart pioneers the validation specifically for these critical internal systems being wholly indigenous.
The plugzmart EV Fast Charger (240kW DC) itself showcases this local innovation. It’s designed to replenish the batteries of compatible heavy vehicles or luxury EVs in roughly 20 minutes. Beyond raw speed, it integrates essential modern features: a smart power distribution system works to optimize energy draw and helps prevent overloading the local power grid. Moreover, its AI diagnostics predict maintenance needs and potential failures, maximizing charger uptime. Simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles is also possible, a key feature for busy public charging stations.
Lowering Reliance, Boosting EV Growth
Vivek Samynathan, who founded Plugzmart and serves as its CEO, commented on the rapid progress within India’s EV charging sector. “The EV charging technology in India is evolving with innovations in fast charging, smart load management, and indigenous charger development,” Samynathan observed. “The country is moving towards high-power DC fast chargers, with a focus on locally manufactured solutions to reduce dependency on imports and lower costs.”
He underscored the strategic value of their homegrown technology. “Our Indigenous Controller and PLC Modules can play a key role in the country reducing its imports in the EV Sector,” he added.
India’s reliance on foreign suppliers for vital EV infrastructure may substantially decrease thanks to this breakthrough in developing and certifying local core components. Lowering the cost of building widespread charging networks could, in turn, increase EV accessibility nationwide.
Supporting National Goals
Plugzmart’s ARAI-approved 240kW plugzmart EV Fast charger aligns perfectly with India’s National EV Policy’s aim to create a comprehensive network of rapid charging stations. The company expects this certification to facilitate greater collaboration with vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators of electric trucks/buses, and businesses developing highway charging infrastructure.
This achievement solidifies Plugzmart’s standing as a key player in India’s high-power charging market. The example demonstrates that Indian startups, particularly from prestigious institutions like IIT Madras, are capable of spearheading vital technological progress like the plugzmart EV Fast Charger towards a sustainable and independent electric transportation future in India.
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