The Indian government’s PM E-Drive Amendment marks a significant milestone in the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) journey, mandating that only locally manufactured motors qualify for subsidies under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme. This policy shift is a crucial step toward strengthening India’s EV ecosystem, reducing import dependency, and positioning the country as a global leader in electric mobility solutions.
At Torus Robotics, we recognize this amendment as a game-changer. As pioneers in Axial Flux Motor (AFM) technology, we have long advocated for a robust domestic manufacturing ecosystem. This mandate ensures that India evolves beyond being an assembly hub and emerges as a center for deep-rooted innovation, fostering high-value additions in EV component manufacturing.
Strengthening Local Manufacturing and Supply Chains
One of the most critical outcomes of the amendment is the impetus it provides for localizing high-performance motor production. Currently, India relies heavily on imports, particularly from China and Europe, for key EV components. With this mandate, manufacturers will be compelled to invest in indigenous research, development, and production, laying the foundation for a resilient domestic supply chain.
Torus Robotics has already developed India’s first production-friendly axial flux motor, designed for mass adoption. Our experience demonstrates that India has the technical capability to produce high-efficiency, high-power-density motors that meet global standards. This amendment will drive more companies to invest in local manufacturing, fostering competitiveness and accelerating technological advancements.
Driving Innovation: Axial Flux Motors as the Future of EV Powertrains
A critical aspect of India’s EV transition is the development of next-generation motor technologies that enhance efficiency, power output, and cost-effectiveness. Axial Flux Motors (AFMs) offer a superior alternative to conventional radial flux motors, providing higher power density, improved thermal management, and a compact footprint. This makes AFMs ideal for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, commercial EVs, and high- performance vehicles.
Torus Robotics is leading the charge by integrating cutting-edge axial flux motor designs that offer superior torque density and efficiency while remaining lightweight and rugged.
Our motors are engineered for India’s unique road conditions, ensuring durability, reliability, and optimal performance. By aligning our innovations with the PM E-Drive Amendment, we aim to revolutionize the powertrain sector and redefine India’s role in the global EV industry.
Enhancing Cost Competitiveness and Employment Opportunities
Local manufacturing is expected to significantly reduce production costs over time. By minimizing import duties and logistical expenses, domestically manufactured motors will become more cost-competitive against their international counterparts. Moreover, this policy will drive job creation across multiple segments, including RCD, precision manufacturing, quality assurance, and skilled labor development.
To fully realize these benefits, Indian companies must scale up their production capabilities, implement automation, and adopt advanced manufacturing techniques such as precision casting, automated winding, and high-efficiency cooling systems. These advancements will be crucial to ensuring that locally produced motors match and exceed global benchmarks.
Overcoming Challenges: Key Focus Areas for Industry Growth
While the amendment presents a wealth of opportunities, the industry must address several key challenges:
- Scaling Domestic Production: Manufacturers must ramp up RCD and automation to produce high-quality Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) and Axial Flux Motors at globally competitive prices.
- Developing a Localized Supply Chain: The availability of critical raw materials, such as rare-earth magnets, needs to be strengthened through strategic partnerships and indigenous alternatives.
- Encouraging Collaboration: OEMs, motor manufacturers, and policymakers must work together to create standardized testing and certification frameworks to ensure reliability and performance.
- Financial Incentives s Skill Development: Government support in the form of subsidies for manufacturers investing in cutting-edge motor technology and training programs for skilled labour will accelerate the transition to a self-sufficient EV industry.
- Sustainable Material Usage: The adoption of Soft Magnetic Composites (SMC) in axial flux motors presents a major sustainability advantage. Compared to radial flux motors that use laminated steel, SMC-based axial flux motors reduce the carbon footprint by 30%, making them a more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient choice.
India’s Path to Global Leadership in EV Motor Manufacturing
The PM E-Drive Amendment is more than just a policy change—it is an opportunity to position India as a leader in high-performance EV motor technology. If leveraged correctly, this shift will not only empower domestic manufacturers but also create avenues for India to become an export hub for electric motors. At Torus Robotics, we are committed to advancing this vision by developing world-class Axial Flux Motors that set new benchmarks in efficiency, power density, and reliability. By fostering innovation, investing in RCD, and maintaining high-quality standards, Indian manufacturers can redefine the future of sustainable mobility and ensure that ‘Made in India’ motors power the next generation of electric vehicles worldwide.
