Kanpur, 11 September 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), through the GREET (Grid Readiness for Electric Vehicles: Enablers and Technological Developments) Project, supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), organised a one-day programme to commemorate World EV Day 2026 on the theme “Building a Sustainable and Grid-Ready EV Ecosystem for India.”

Prof. Saikat Chakrabarti of the Department of Electrical Engineering, IIT Kanpur, coordinated the event. Various dignitaries were available for the inaugural function: Prof. Jayandharan G. Rao (Dean of Research and Development, IIT Kanpur), Sh. Rajib Das (Retd. Deputy General Manager, CESC), Prof. Saikat Chakrabarti, Lead PI (GREET Project).

The event brought together experts and representatives from academia, industry, government and research institutions, including The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur, and PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, to deliberate on the technological, policy and market dimensions of India’s transition towards electric mobility.

Technical discussions focused on the grid-readiness of EV charging infrastructure, including smart charging, distribution-network impacts, power quality, peak-demand management, renewable-energy integration, charging standards, and emerging technologies such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G). Speakers emphasised the need for reliable, interoperable and grid-responsive charging infrastructure to support large-scale EV adoption.

The policy discussions highlighted the importance of coordinated policies across the transport and power sectors, appropriate electricity tariffs, charging infrastructure standards, regulatory support, and effective implementation of central- and state-level EV policies. Participants emphasised that long-term EV growth will require a stable policy environment, technological innovation, and private-sector participation.

The event also addressed the evolving Indian EV market and consumer adoption, with discussions on vehicle affordability, total cost of ownership, charging accessibility, driving range, battery performance, financing, and consumer confidence. Industry representatives highlighted the need to strengthen domestic capabilities in batteries, power electronics, charging equipment, and other critical components to build a resilient EV ecosystem.

A key outcome of the deliberations was the recognition that India's EV transition requires an integrated approach that combines technology, policy, grid modernisation, market development, and consumer needs. Strengthening academia–industry–government collaboration, promoting research and demonstrations, and developing smart and renewable-integrated charging infrastructure were identified as important priorities for the way forward.

The GREET Project, supported by ANRF and undertaken at IIT Kanpur, focuses on addressing the technological and systemic challenges associated with increasing EV penetration and its interaction with the electricity grid, to contribute towards a sustainable, reliable, and grid-ready EV ecosystem for India.

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognised as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for excellence in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education, IIT Kanpur spans a 1,050-acre lush green campus and comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programmes, and three specialised schools. With over 570 faculty members and more than 9,500 students, the institute continues to lead in innovation, research, and holistic development.

For more information, please visit: www.iitk.ac.in