To realise this vision, the report recommends capital subsidies, plug-and-play infrastructure, and green industrial parks tailored for clean-tech startups and MSMEs. With a robust industrial base, consistent policies and a vibrant innovation ecosystem, Tamil Nadu is well-placed to lead the global mobility transformation, not only as a manufacturer but also as a designer and developer of next-generation transport solutions. This, however, will require bold policies, agile institutions, patient capital and deep collaboration.
“The next phase of growth cannot proceed without a state-wide EV charging infrastructure masterplan and active private sector participation,” states the report. It also suggests integrating EV-readiness into building codes and urban planning. Tamil Nadu must move beyond manufacturing to become a centre for deep mobility innovation. This transition requires strong institutional and financial support for R&D, intellectual property (IP) creation and product development.
ADVANCED R&D
Among the recommendations is the establishment of a Tamil Nadu Mobility Innovation Fund to co-finance high-risk, high-reward R&D in critical areas such as solid-state and LFP battery technologies, EV operating systems, energy management software, hydrogen propulsion systems and lightweight materials. Additionally, the state is advised to create Mobility R&D zones in Chennai, Coimbatore and Hosur which have already been recognised as EV hubs. These will house shared infrastructure like testing tracks, EMC labs, battery certification centres and digital simulation environments.
The report calls for a deeper academic–industry collaboration, particularly with institutions such as IIT Madras, Anna University and PSG Tech, to facilitate translational research. Fellowships and startup grants should help commercialise IP, while startups and MSMEs should be given an easy access to public R&D labs and prototyping tools.
FOCUS ON SKILLED HUMAN CAPITAL
The report identifies human capital development as a top priority. While Tamil Nadu produces over 150,000 engineering graduates annually, many remain underutilised in core technical roles. A proposed “Mobility Skills 2030” programme would train workers in EV powertrains, battery tech, ADAS, AI/ML applications, embedded systems, and logistics analytics. It also recommends dual-training models with OEMs and global suppliers, combining classroom instruction with hands-on apprenticeships. PhD and postdoctoral funding should be aligned with clean mobility research, while MSME workers and internal combustion engine (ICE) technicians should be reskilled for EV-related roles. Companies like TVS and Ola Electric are suggested as anchor partners for a state-wide Mobility Skills Academy, with satellite centres in tier-II cities.
To ensure equitable growth, the report stresses that clean mobility benefits must reach socially and geographically underserved communities. Firms establishing operations in non-urban areas should receive location-based subsidies. Support should also go to electric buses, e-autos, and shared EV fleets serving underserved regions.
In a move toward inclusive growth, the report advocates for women-led EV enterprises, including SHG financing and women-run EV service stations. Redevelopment efforts in planned “EV cities” could act as pilot zones for these initiatives.
PUBLIC CHARGING STATIONS
Accelerating the rollout of public charging stations is critical and the state must prioritise high-traffic corridors, industrial parks and urban mobility hubs. Concessional land must be allocated for setting up battery-swapping and charging infrastructure, particularly for commercial EVs such as last-mile delivery fleets. Solar-powered charging and micro-grids should be promoted in tier II cities.
The report also calls for dynamic and targeted incentives for commercial EVs, which face high upfront costs. Incentives should reflect vehicle type, usage intensity, and total cost of ownership (TCO). Localisation, IP creation, and job generation should be rewarded through performance-linked subsidies.
Without timely interventions, the report warns the EV adoption in heavy commercial vehicles may remain below 20 per cent by 2030.
Finally, institutionalising policy continuity and stakeholder collaboration is seen as the key to sustaining the mobility transition. The report proposes the formation of a Mobility Innovation and Growth Council that brings together representatives from government, industry, academia, and civil society. The state should establish a Mobility Data Commons to harness anonymised data from vehicles, charging stations and logistics systems for improved urban planning and responsive policy design. Collaboration with the Union government to expand the scope of schemes like FAME is encouraged to include more vehicle segments and support state-level pilot initiatives.