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Vaishnaw Meets Ather CEO, Eyes Semiconductors for Safer, Smarter EVs

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met with Ather Energy CEO Tarun Mehta to discuss the role of the India Semiconductor Mission in advancing vehicle electronics and intelligent systems for road safety. The discussion aligns with India's push for domestic semiconductor capabilities to support key sectors like electric mobility. Ather Energy has also partnered with the government's DPIIT under the Build in Bharat initiative to support startups in the EV manufacturing value chain. India's electric two-wheeler segment, a backbone of the EV transition, saw sales grow 21% in FY 2024-25, aided by government incentives like the FAME II scheme.

Key Points: Vaishnaw, Ather CEO Discuss Semiconductors for EV Safety

  • Focus on domestic semiconductor capabilities
  • ISM 2.0 gets Rs 1,000 crore provision
  • Ather's MoU with DPIIT for manufacturing support
  • Electric two-wheeler sales surge 21% in FY25
  • FAME II scheme accelerates EV adoption
3 min read

Ashwini Vaishnaw meets Ather Energy CEO, discusses vehicle electronics and semiconductor role in EV ecosystem

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw meets Ather Energy's Tarun Mehta to discuss vehicle electronics and how the India Semiconductor Mission can enhance road safety.

"Discussed advancements in vehicle electronics and how India Semiconductor Mission can contribute to enhancing road safety - Ashwini Vaishnaw"

New Delhi, February 26

Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw met Tarun Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy, and discussed advancements in vehicle electronics and the role of the India Semiconductor Mission in strengthening intelligent vehicle systems and road safety.

In a social media post, the minister said, "Met Mr. Tarun Mehta, Co-founder & CEO, Ather Energy. Discussed advancements in vehicle electronics and how India Semiconductor Mission can contribute to enhancing road safety and strengthening intelligent vehicle systems."

The discussions come at a time when India is focusing on building domestic semiconductor capabilities to support emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, electronics, and advanced mobility solutions.

The India Semiconductor Mission by the government aims to boost semiconductor manufacturing, design, and innovation and strengthen supply chains for electronics and EVs.

The Union Budget 2026-27 marked a decisive moment for India's technology ambitions with the announcement of India Semiconductor Mission 2.0. A provision of Rs. 1,000 crore has been made for ISM 2.0 for FY 2026-27

Ather Energy has also been actively collaborating with the government to strengthen India's clean mobility ecosystem.

Last year, the electric two-wheeler manufacturer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Under the partnership, Ather Energy will collaborate with DPIIT under the Build in Bharat initiative led by the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), a coalition of over 50 innovation-focused startups working towards strengthening manufacturing in India.

The MoU outlined a comprehensive partnership, including strategic mentorship for deep-tech startups, infrastructure support for startups in the EV value chain, and joint innovation programmes such as the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge.

India's electric two-wheeler segment has emerged as the backbone of the country's EV transition, driven by strong policy support and rising adoption. According to the Ministry of Heavy Industries, 11,49,334 electric two-wheelers were sold in FY 2024-25, reflecting a 21 per cent increase compared to 9,48,561 units in the previous year.

Government schemes such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Phase II have played a key role in accelerating adoption. The scheme aims to support the adoption of electric two-wheelers, along with other vehicle categories, by providing demand incentives and promoting domestic manufacturing.

Electric two-wheelers dominate India's EV ecosystem, accounting for a significant share of overall electric vehicle sales, highlighting their critical role in driving mass electrification and sustainable mobility.

Government initiatives, including the India Semiconductor Mission and EV incentive schemes, are expected to further strengthen domestic manufacturing, technology innovation, and adoption of intelligent electric mobility solutions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good meeting, but I hope these discussions translate into faster, tangible results for consumers. The cost of EVs is still high for the average middle-class family. Semiconductor mission should aim to bring down costs, not just improve tech specs.
V
Vikram M
Ather is a true Indian success story. From a startup to now advising the government on national policy. This is how public-private partnership should work. The focus on intelligent systems for road safety is much needed given our traffic conditions.
S
Sarah B
The numbers are impressive - over 11 lakh electric two-wheelers sold! It shows the market is ready. Now, with domestic semiconductor support, the reliability and features should get even better. Hope charging infrastructure keeps pace.
R
Rohit P
Rs. 1,000 crore for ISM 2.0 is a good start, but semiconductor fabs require massive, long-term investment. We need to see more detailed roadmap and involvement of global tech partners to truly build a resilient supply chain. The intent is clear, execution is key.
K
Kavya N
As an Ather owner, I'm excited! Better, locally-made electronics could mean fewer software glitches and faster updates. The 'Build in Bharat' initiative for startups in the EV chain is a brilliant move. Will create so many jobs! ✨

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