In an interview with TimesTech, Vijay Bolloju, Director – R&D at iVP Semiconductor, emphasized the indispensable role of semiconductors in powering the safety, performance, and intelligence of electric vehicles (EVs). He addressed India’s current challenges in semiconductor self-sufficiency and shared actionable policy, infrastructure, and collaboration strategies essential for nurturing a resilient, mobility-focused semiconductor ecosystem.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: How critical are semiconductors in enabling the performance, safety, and intelligence of electric vehicles?
Vijay: Semiconductor devices, including digital, analog, and power electronics are fundamental enablers of electric vehicles (EVs).
Even modern internal combustion engine (ICE)-based vehicles rely heavily on semiconductors to enhance safety and user comfort. However, in EVs, the role of semiconductors is even more pronounced and multifaceted.
Power electronics act as the primary drivers of functionality in EVs. They enable traction control and perform critical tasks such as voltage conversion to power subsystems like battery management systems (BMS), lighting, communications, and various safety systems. These safety systems include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), vehicle stabilization, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and cloud connectivity features.
A well-designed power electronics system significantly improves efficiency and enables compact, lightweight system designs directly contributing to increased battery range.
Smart / Intelligent vehicles further leverage connectivity to communication networks such as 4G and cloud databases. These capabilities support navigation, real-time vehicle tracking, system monitoring, and proactive alerts related to safety and performance, thereby enhancing the overall safety and comfort of the users.
TimesTech: What are the key challenges India faces in establishing a self-sustaining semiconductor supply chain for the EV sector?
Vijay: Similar to the automobile sector, semiconductor manufacturing is not an isolated activity; it requires a robust ecosystem of suppliers and partners. It thrives on a mature supply chain of materials, tools, and consumables.
Another critical aspect is the presence of strong electronic system design capabilities and a well-developed manufacturing ecosystem. Building energy-efficient, reliable systems requires access to specialized materials, which are currently not widely available domestically.
To create a sustainable semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, it is essential to localize the supply of materials and manufacturing support. Over-reliance on imported components, machinery, and skilled labour exposes the industry to geopolitical risks, potentially hampering growth.
Human capital plays a pivotal role in this sector. Skilling programs must be tailored to prepare a workforce capable of supporting ecosystem-wide growth. Industry-academia collaboration is essential to produce talent aligned with the specific needs of the semiconductor value chain.
Additionally, the semiconductor industry operates best at scale. Given the substantial capital investment required to establish fabrication units, there must be significant domestic demand to ensure cost-effectiveness. This demand depends on a thriving ecosystem of sub-system design, product manufacturing, and end-user consumption.
To that end, it is crucial to promote an “India-first” approach to semiconductor consumption among domestic OEMs, ODMs, and system design firms rather than a cost-first strategy. Such an approach can generate the critical mass required for India’s semiconductor ecosystem to grow. As demand for domestically designed and manufactured products rises, cost parity with imports will naturally follow.
TimesTech: How can India incentivize domestic chip design and manufacturing specifically for mobility applications?
Vijay: The government has already introduced several incentive programs, such as the Design Linked Incentive (DLI), Production Linked Incentive (PLI), Chips to Startup (C2S), as well as vehicle purchase discounts, GST exemptions, and registration fee waivers. Many companies are currently benefiting from these initiatives.
However, beyond launching incentive schemes, it is equally important to ensure that these systems function efficiently and seamlessly to foster innovation and productivity.
Facilitating access to tape-out, testing, and validation processes is vital for converting chip designs into market-ready products. The government should consider offering targeted incentives to companies establishing assembly, testing, and validation infrastructure.
Moreover, fostering collaboration between chip design firms and OEMs/ODMs for real-world validation is crucial. Introducing specific incentive programs to support these partnerships would significantly accelerate the development and commercialization of mobility-focused semiconductor solutions.
TimesTech: What role do public-private collaborations, academic partnerships, and global alliances play in accelerating India’s semiconductor ambitions?
Vijay: The semiconductor industry is heavily reliant on capital, infrastructure and skilled human resources. It is imperative for the government, private sector, academic institutions, and the investment community to collaborate in building a sustainable ecosystem.
Government entities can play a key role by facilitating land acquisition and ensuring the availability of essential resources such as water and energy at affordable rates. In partnership with private investors, they can also provide capital funding on favourable terms to establish initial manufacturing capacity.
Academic institutions are instrumental in developing a skilled workforce and driving innovation through research and development.
Private industry can lead the establishment of fabrication and assembly facilities, develop supporting ecosystems, and generate demand by designing and manufacturing end-user products tailored to the domestic market. When these stakeholders work in harmony, they can create a self-reinforcing producer-consumer loop, capable of overcoming current challenges and fostering long-term growth.
TimesTech: What policy interventions and infrastructure investments are most urgently needed to support indigenous semiconductor development for EVs?
Vijay: The following steps are recommended to support the growth of the domestic semiconductor sector for electric vehicles:
- Implement stringent safety norms, range expectations, and service standards for EVs to build consumer confidence and drive demand for semiconductor-based solutions.
- Mandate a minimum of 80% local content for eligibility under any subsidy or incentive scheme to stimulate demand for domestically produced semiconductor components.
- Once demand is firmly established, semiconductor manufacturing will grow organically in response.
- Set and enforce strict time-to-market metrics for new OSATs and fabs receiving government support, with penalties for non-compliance or delays.
- Prioritize technologies aligned with current needs such as MOSFETs, IGBTs, and diodes while planning for the medium-term integration of advanced technologies like wide-bandgap semiconductors and digital chips.
- Encourage ODMs and design houses to develop innovative, cutting-edge solutions that serve as import substitutes.
In conclusion, building a sustainable semiconductor industry requires collective effort. Collaboration across sectors for the common good is the foundation of self-reliance; everything else is a positive outcome of that unified effort.
