New Delhi: Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy on Monday launched the Light Electric-Vehicle Acceleration Forum (LEAF), an industry-led consortium aimed at boosting the electric vehicle (EV) charging ecosystem in India.

The LEAF initiative will serve as a neutral platform, bringing together stakeholders across the light electric vehicle (LEV) ecosystem, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), charging infrastructure operators, component makers, and technology providers.

The forum will collaborate with government bodies, regulators, and industry associations to support the development of robust EV charging infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of electric two- and three-wheelers nationwide.

Strengthening EV ecosystem

In a post on X, Kumaraswamy said the initiative would accelerate the growth of light electric mobility, improve interoperability across charging networks, enhance reliability, and expand access to public EV charging infrastructure.

He added that the forum aligns with the government’s vision of building a self-reliant, future-ready India while advancing sustainable mobility and reducing carbon emissions.

Also Read| Centre vs State? Kerala finds loophole to retain 5,500 old vehicles

“The collaboration between industry and government will be critical to creating a sustainable, accessible, and globally competitive electric mobility ecosystem,” Kumaraswamy noted.

LECCS and unified charging standards

As part of the LEAF initiative, the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS), approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards, is being developed to support both slow and fast charging through a unified connector standard, ensuring a consistent user experience across EV charging stations.

Also Read| Tata Motors to hike commercial vehicle prices from April 1: What buyers need to know

Industry participation

The forum has already united over 20 organisations from across the EV sector, including vehicle manufacturers, charge point operators, suppliers, and software providers, and is expected to expand its membership further.

Industry experts said that as EV adoption in India gains momentum, tackling challenges such as fragmented charging networks and inconsistent user experience will be essential for the next phase of growth.

They highlighted that improving interoperability and developing a scalable public charging ecosystem will be key to accelerating electric mobility and supporting India’s transition to cleaner, greener transport.

IANS