Manufacturers like Maruti, Mahindra and Tata Motors are said to have joined hands to develop electric car components.
Manufacturers like Maruti, Mahindra and Tata Motors are said to have joined hands to develop electric car components. The OEMs will be sharing their technical know how only to develop parts.
Air pollution has been a rising concern in recent times and considering India, the market is far behind in terms of implementation of electric mobility. Though we saw some concepts at the recent Auto Expo there has been no clear indication as to when we will see an affordable electric vehicle on sale in India. To address this the above mentioned top Indian car manufacturers have joined forces to develop electric car components in India. This will include parts like motors, transmissions, batteries, etc. Although these parts will be shared among the OEMs, the platforms and car models will all be specific to the respective companies. This will help components sharing which will address the costs issue while maintaining a distinct identity.
The initial investments by the three Indian OEMs is said to be around Rs. 22-25 crore to which the Indian government will be investing an equal amount under the FAME scheme which was implemented last year to speed up the manufacturing and sales of electric vehicles in India. Arvind Mathew, CEO, Mahindra Reva, said, “It will take at least one and a half years before we see something. The software and integration part will remain exclusive to the three companies while motor and transmission know how will be shared.”
The Delhi diesel car ban has resulted in all sorts of anxiousness in the industry to think about the next generation of mobility in India. Foreign companies like Ford, Renault and General motors are already investing huge money in this area and this alliance will help Indian manufacturers keep up with development in EV technology and be future ready. “I do believe full electric cars need infrastructure development. Hybrids have a role to play here in India. Demand for petrol and diesel vehicles in the country will stay in the near term, as the battery packs for electric vehicles are very expensive,” said Jurge Stackman, Head Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen Passenger Cars.
Mahindra e-Verito