The Light Electric-Vehicle Acceleration Forum (LEAF) has been officially launched as a neutral, industry-led consortium aimed at strengthening India’s EV charging ecosystem and accelerating the adoption of electric two- and three-wheelers.
The forum was inaugurated by H. D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, marking a significant step towards collaborative development of EV infrastructure in the country.
As electric mobility gains momentum, LEAF seeks to bring together key stakeholders across the value chain, including OEMs, charging infrastructure providers, component manufacturers, suppliers, and technology companies. The consortium will work closely with government bodies, regulators, and industry associations to facilitate knowledge exchange and align with national EV policies.
A major focus area for LEAF will be enhancing interoperability across charging networks, improving reliability, and ensuring a seamless user experience. The forum also aims to expand public access to charging infrastructure, addressing key challenges such as fragmented networks and inconsistent charging standards.
One of the key developments supporting this vision is the advancement of interoperability initiatives such as the Light Electric Combined Charging System (LECCS), approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards under IS 17017. The “Type 7” connector enables both AC and DC charging, supporting slow and fast charging while allowing unified communication and network roaming.
LEAF has been established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Hero MotoCorp, via its Emerging Mobility Business Unit, IPEC India, and Ather Energy. These founding members form the initial steering committee of the forum.
At launch, the consortium brought together over 20 organisations spanning the light electric vehicle ecosystem, including vehicle manufacturers, charging point operators, suppliers, and software providers. LEAF is expected to expand its membership further in the coming months.
Speaking at the launch, representatives from the founding organisations emphasised that India’s EV market has reached a critical growth phase. They highlighted that addressing charging-related challenges—such as interoperability and user experience—will be essential for scaling adoption. Initiatives like LEAF, they noted, will play a crucial role in building a cohesive, reliable, and scalable public charging infrastructure, positioning India as a global leader in light electric mobility.
