Exclusive: GARC Accelerates EV Push, Targets ₹100 Crore Revenue as Infrastructure Expansion Gains Pace

The electric mobility megatrend’s progression in India is also fuelling demand for EV testing and validation facilities, as mandatory compliance with regulations are a major qualification to avail government incentives. EV-related infrastructure at all three key testing and validation agencies of the country — Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), International Centre for Automotive Technology (iCAT), and Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) — are getting upgraded to varying degrees.

It’s a more significant development for GARC, which was conceived in 2005 mainly to cater to internal combustion engine (ICE) related requirements. "Yes, for the first time we are moving in a more focused way towards EV infrastructure. This will cater to OEMs across the spectrum — from components to full vehicle testing," Dr. A S Ramadhas, Director, GARC, tells Acko Drive.

Under the Government of India’s ₹10,900 crore PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E Drive) Scheme, ₹780 crore has been allocated for modernising and upgrading EV testing infrastructure in the testing agencies. GARC’s share in the allocated budget stands at ₹220 crore.  

2026, a scale-up year

GARC was set up 20 years ago as a greenfield project, and was developed in several phases. It was only around 2020 that all major facilities became fully operational. This year begins a transformation phase for the centre. It is upgrading infrastructure in multiple departments, according to Dr. Ramadhas. "The existing hardware, the dynamometer, and the emission analysis, all their upgradation is in process. Most of the EV related equipment and software upgradation, automation will be taken care of by this (₹220 crore) fund," he says.

Backed by fresh government funding and a roadmap for 2026, the centre is positioning itself as a comprehensive, one-stop destination for automotive testing and validation in India.

EVs take centrestage in the next phase of GARC’s journey. New EV-focused infrastructure includes a battery testing facility, expected to be operational by late 2026, along with expanded testing capabilities for electric two- and three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles (HCV). A dedicated facility for electric HCVs is also under development.

New emissions and ADAS testing facilities

Beyond EVs, GARC is also upgrading its existing powertrain laboratories to align with evolving emissions norms, including the transition towards stricter regulatory frameworks. This involves both hardware enhancements such as dynamometers and emission analysis systems, and software upgrades to improve automation and testing accuracy.

Another key area of investment is Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). GARC is setting up a dedicated ADAS testing facility, for which it is procuring soft targets, dummies, robotic systems, and specialised instrumentation.

It plans to modify its existing test track with lane markings and other requirements to support ADAS validation. The facility is already being used by OEMs and component manufacturers for development work.

Dr Ramadhas also adds that GARC is a state-of-the-art integrated safety validation hub, and aims to play a pivotal role in elevating vehicle safety standards in India. A highlight of GARC’s capabilities is its advanced car-to-car crash testing facility, a future-ready facility used for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, including trucks. GARC is currently upgrading its passive safety laboratory with next-generation test instruments including advanced crash test dummies, high-speed imaging systems, and sophisticated data acquisition units thanks to the PM E-Drive Scheme.

The EMI/EMC (Electromagnetic interference/Electromagnetic Compatibility) laboratory at GARC is also undergoing significant upgrades under the PM E-Drive Scheme, to enable advanced electromagnetic emission and immunity testing, and help promote safe, reliable and compliant electric vehicle development, even when charging.

With the new expansion projects, Dr. Ramadhas is bullish about GARC’s revenue growth. GARC wants to touch the ₹100 crore mark in revenue in the current financial year. Its annual revenue has surged from around ₹30 crore in FY 2021–22 to approximately ₹85 crore in 2024–25. "The EV business will be a major driver going forward," says Dr. Ramadhas. 

He is hopeful that the upgraded facilities, and a unique proposition of both laboratory testing and test track facilities at a single location, will help GARC emerge as a stronger player in India’s automotive testing ecosystem, offering OEMs a more streamlined and efficient validation process.

Homologation business gains traction

GARC also wants to step up its homologation services. Approved as a testing agency under India’s Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) guidelines, the centre has scaled its operations over the past 4-5 years.

From primarily working with smaller OEMs in the two- and three-wheeler space, Dr. Ramadhas says GARC now handles homologation across categories, including passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses.

Most of GARC’s planned upgrades — including EV battery testing, ADAS capabilities, EMI/EMC, passive safety, and powertrain lab enhancements — are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2026.

As India’s automotive/mobility industry transitions towards electrification and advanced safety technology, GARC’s evolving infrastructure could play a crucial role in supporting OEMs with faster, more integrated testing and homologation solutions.

With its expanding capabilities and ambitious targets, GARC is aiming to move from being a less-known player to a major pillar in India’s automotive testing ecosystem.