India has emerged as a key supporter of electric vehicles (EVs) and cleaner mobility options in recent years. Leading the charge in this electric revolution is Tata Motors, playing a significant role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer and Head of High Voltage Programs at Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. gave insight into their EV strategy, EV battery cost, and an impressive lineup of products.
Tata’s EV Journey
Tata Motors started their electric vehicle (EV) journey with Gen1 products and has since advanced to Gen2 and Gen3 offerings. The Gen2 vehicles are flexible and able to accommodate different battery types and sizes. They have an impressive range of 400 to 500 km and can even include dual motors for 4×4 capabilities.
Market Leadership and Data Advantage
Tata Motors is leading the way in the electric vehicle market with their EV versions of popular models like Tiago, Tigor, and Nexon. With sales already surpassing 90,000 units and quickly approaching 100,000, Tata Motors has gained a unique advantage- a wealth of valuable data.
When Will Battery Costs Decrease?
The electric vehicle (EV) industry grapples with a major question: when will battery costs see a significant decline? Kulkarni, an expert in the field, highlights how initial expectations of lower battery prices driven by economies of scale have fallen short. Recent trends indicate only modest drops in kilowatt-hour (kWh) prices.
Factors such as high demand for EVs, disruptions in supply chains, and escalating commodity prices (such as lithium carbonate and graphite) have contributed to this stagnation. Moreover, the inclusion of additional functionalities like remote sensing and advanced safety measures in non-cell components like battery trays and electronics has further increased costs.
But there is hope on the horizon. Prices of lithium carbonate have begun to drop and ongoing advancements in battery technology and materials are expected to result in even greater price reductions. According to Kulkarni, EV battery prices may reach a point of stability at around $100 in the next two years. This could potentially make some electric vehicles more comparable in price to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
| Size (kWh) | Price in India (with NMC Chemistry and Simple BMS) |
| 1 kWh | ₹17,000/- |
| 2 kWh | ₹25,000/- |
| 3 kWh | ₹42,000/- |
| 4 kWh | ₹60,000/- |
| 5 kWh | ₹74,000/- |
| 8 kWh | ₹1,15,000/- |
| 10 kWh | ₹1,50,000/- |
India’s EV Engineering Potential
Kulkarni stressed that India’s EV hardware development is on par with global standards. He acknowledged a slight gap in battery design expertise but believed it to be a temporary limitation that could be overcome with experience. In the field of software engineering, India is considered a powerhouse with strong capabilities. Kulkarni highlighted that areas requiring improvement, such as user interface and user experience (UI/UX) design, can be promptly addressed.
He had a vision for India to have a strong presence in the design of vehicles, both for domestic and international markets. This would be possible by utilizing the country’s engineering capabilities and strengths.
Building a Sustainable Ecosystem
Tata Motors is dedicated to promoting sustainability. Their goal is to achieve 100% renewable energy usage in all operations by 2030, and they are embracing circular practices to optimize energy and materials, thereby reducing their environmental footprint. As part of their efforts, they have launched the “Rewire” program to establish scrappage facilities for sustainable end-of-life product management.
Tata Motors is actively working with suppliers to explore the use of renewable materials and increase the incorporation of recycled content in their new vehicle designs. Their aim is to create sustainable vehicles without compromising on visual appeal. The Avinya model, for instance, showcases this dedication to sustainability by utilizing naturally colored materials.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Tata Motors’ commitment to excellence in electric vehicle (EV) technology, data-driven decision-making, and sustainability sets them apart as a leader in India’s EV industry. As EV battery costs decrease and India continues to advance in EV engineering, a greener and more promising future for mobility awaits. If you want to have EV batteries or EV charging solutions in India, Hi-charge is the right place to look for. Partnering with HiCharge can open doors to a booming EV charging business, serving riders, last-mile services, and shared mobility ventures.
