In conversation with Shwetank Jain, CEO of Belectriq
India’s EV ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with policy and industry moving in lockstep. The Ministry of Heavy Industries has revised the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) norms, making localisation of critical EV charger components such as controllers and power modules mandatory by December 2025.
This comes at a time when the government has also extended the PM eDrive scheme to 2028, ensuring continued subsidy support for electric buses and public charging. Together, these moves create both an opportunity and a challenge: OEMs must comply with tougher localisation mandates if they want to participate in tenders under FAME-II and PM eDrive/eBus Sewa.
While many charger makers are still racing to adapt, Belectriq has already upgraded its CCS2 DC chargers to meet these requirements. We sat down with Shwetank Jain, CEO of Belectriq, to understand what this means for the industry and for India’s EV future.
Q: The government has tightened PMP norms. What’s changed, and why is it significant?
Shwetank Jain: The new PMP mandates localisation of controllers and power modules by December 2025. These are the brain and heart of a DC charger — without them, nothing functions.
It’s significant because compliance is now a precondition for tenders under PM eDrive and eBus Sewa. Old type-testing certificates no longer count. If you want to be part of the government-supported EV rollout, you must comply.
Q: How has Belectriq prepared for this transition?
Shwetank Jain: We started early. Over the past two years, our R&D team has developed indigenous controllers and power modules, both hardware and software. Most OEMs still import these from China, but we decided to design in India from day one.
That means we are already compliant with the revised PMP, giving us a first-mover advantage as tenders under PM eDrive begin rolling out in 2025–26.
Q: How do the PMP norms and PM eDrive scheme fit together?
Shwetank Jain: The government has been very clear. Subsidies will continue under PM eDrive to support scale-up, but only for systems that are Made in India. This is a smart way to balance growth and self-reliance.
For the industry, it’s both a challenge and an opportunity. If you’ve invested in localisation, you’re ready to ride the wave of demand. If not, you’re at risk of being left behind.
Q: Why is localisation such a critical issue for EV charging?
Shwetank Jain: Localisation ensures resilience and trust.
- For end-users, it means faster service, higher uptime, and spares that are locally available.
- For the government, it means stronger supply chains, less import dependence, and job creation.
- For the industry, it means secure, malware-free systems that are future-ready and globally competitive.
It’s not just about compliance — it’s about confidence.
Q: What sets Belectriq’s upgraded chargers apart?
Shwetank Jain: Our CCS2 chargers are built for India’s conditions. They deliver >95% uptime, support dynamic load management, and integrate UPI/QR payments for seamless transactions. We’ve ruggedised them for extreme heat, dust, and voltage fluctuations.
And because our controllers are in-house, we can roll out software updates or customisation far more quickly than OEMs dependent on imports.
Q: Looking ahead, how do you see the EV charging landscape evolving under PM eDrive?
Shwetank Jain: By 2027, I expect India to have one of the most localised, reliable EV charging networks in the world. PM eDrive ensures demand momentum. PMP ensures domestic innovation. Together, they’ll push India from being an importer of EV infra to being a global hub for EV charging technology.
CXO Insight
“India’s EV transition requires affordable, secure, and future-ready charging infrastructure. PMP compliance isn’t just about ticking a box — it’s about building trust. And with PM eDrive extending subsidy support, the next three years will be critical for scaling indigenous EV infra that the world can look up to.”
— Shwetank Jain, CEO, Belectriq
For any queries or clarifications, you can reach out to the team Belectriq directly:
Website: www.belectriq.co | Email: sales@belectriq.co | Mob: +91-9354915205
