TPEM and JLR announce platform-sharing partnership

TPEM and JLR announce platform-sharing partnership

Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (TPEM) and Jaguar Land Rover Plc (JLR) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the licensing of JLR’s Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform for a royalty fee (including electrical architecture, electric drive unit, battery pack and manufacturing know-hows) for the development of TPEM’s ‘premium pure electric’ vehicles series ‘Avinya’ on the EMA platform.

Also entering into an Engineering Services Agreement (ESA) to support TPEM’s change content requirements for the first vehicle development, both the companies – TPEM and JLR – are 100 percent subsidiaries of Tata Motors Limited (TML). 

The EMA platform of JLR will underpin its next generation of ‘pure electric’ mid-sized SUVs for international markets, starting 2025. The platform is optimised for native BEV proportions to maximise interior space, comfort and vision. It is laced with advanced electrical and electronic (E&E) architecture, connectivity, software and ‘over the air’ capability. 

Having a highly integrated propulsion system (cell to pack battery technology, battery management and charging system) to deliver world class vehicle efficiency and range, the platform will support the ‘Avinya’ vehicle series such that the resulting vehicles will be smart and exciting.

This was in fact hinted at when the ‘Avinya’ concept was first showcased in 2022 as an uncompromising vision of electric mobility that is engineered to provide class leading in-cabin experience with next generation connectivity, ADAS, performance, refinement and safety. 

Partnering with JLR on the EMA platform will make the ‘Avinya’ series of Premium Pure Electric vehicles, globally competitive and future proof, mentioned a TPEM source.

Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer and Head HV Programmes, TPEM, said, “Avinya stands for ‘Innovation’ and represents our vision for a new paradigm in personal mobility. Being built on an architecture that is equipped with the latest advances in new age technology, software and artificial intelligence, Avinya will spawn a new breed of world class EVs, with global standards in efficiency and range. We are delighted to collaborate on the EMA platform with JLR for actualising this vision.”

Thomas Mueller, Executive Director, Product Engineering, JLR, said, “We are proud that JLR's world class engineering expertise, demonstrated by our EMA platform, will help accelerate TPEM's electrification journey. This partnership is a further example of great collaboration within the Tata Group, to share value, knowledge and deliver synergies.” 

The access to JLR’s EMA platform should help TPEM to accelerate its entry into the high-end EV segment while reducing development cycle time and costs. JLR’s advanced E&E architecture is capable of going to L2+ autonomy with all advanced connectivity, comfort and convenience features. Interestingly, the EMA platform is not the first time JLR and another automotive business vertical under the Tata Motors Limited umbrella has collaborated technically and strategically. A few years ago, the Tata Motors Passenger Car business vertical developed the Harrier and Safari SUVs developed off JLR’s D8 platform. The partnership regarding the EMA platform is for a full vehicle development programme, representing s a significant step up in the level of collaboration and synergies between Tata Group entities. 

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Murugappa Group’s TIVOLT Electric Vehicles set to launch e SCV under Montra Electric brand

Murugappa Group’s TIVOLT Electric Vehicles set to launch e SCV under Montra Electric brand

TIVOLT Electric Vehicles, part of Murugappa Group and a subsidiary of TI Clean Mobility, is gearing up to launch an e-Small Commercial Vehicle (e-SCV). 

Once launched, the vehicle is expected to bring about a significant change in India's mid-mile and last-mile mobility sectors, thanks to its cutting edge technology, distinctive design, strong performance, and durable build quality. The company says the development of the e- SCV will be a culmination of extensive research and rigorous testing.

Founded in February 2022 as a subsidiary of Tube Investments of India (TI), TICMPL is foussing on clean mobility solutions. With the inclusion of e-SCVs as its fourth EV platform, TICMPL is now positioned to offer complete mobility solutions to enterprises and logistics companies, serving their needs across intercity, intracity, and last-mile applications.

Vellayan Subbiah, Executive Vice Chairman, TII said “Montra Electric represents our commitment to enhancing life through eco-friendly mobility solutions, ushering in a new era of growth and innovation for us. The electric vehicle industry is experiencing an exciting phase of development, not only in India but globally as well. We have dedicated our top resources and time to develop this product, and we are looking forward to the customer response upon its launch in the coming months. At Montra Electric, our goal is to offer products and solutions that are beneficial for both our customers and our business, ensuring practicality and sustainability.”

He further stated that India is poised to lead the global adoption of electric vehicles, second only to China. 

“TICMPL is making impressive strides in the electric vehicle sector with a substantial commitment of INR 3,000 crore. Currently, we are developing four platforms, including the successful MHCV truck and electric three-wheeler already in the market. What excites me the most is our upcoming Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) platform. SCV represents the largest category in the commercial vehicle segment, making our entry into this arena particularly thrilling. This segment is primed to adopt EVs swiftly, supported by policies, government initiatives, and increasing adoption rates. Our dedication to becoming the foremost player in this segment in India is unwavering. The TIVOLT e-SCV is poised to be a standout product, a definite winner in the market,” concluded Vellayan Subbiah.

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Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Sets Up Three-Wheeler EV Charging Stations In Mumbai Suburbs

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Sets Up Three-Wheeler EV Charging Stations In Mumbai Suburbs

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility (LMM), a division of the Mahindra & Mahindra Group, has set up several charging stations near autorickshaw stands, auto driver home clusters and junctions. LMM has done this through strategic charging vendors. The division has done so to boost EV penetration in Mumbai and its suburbs.

Chargers have also been installed at Mahindra outlets and Mahindra Mitra Technician spots wherein customers can charge their three-wheelers. The charging points have been positioned in strategic locations like Malad, Kandivali, Mira Road, Navi Mumbai, Vasai, Virar, Andheri and so on. This is an ongoing process and the Mahindra team, along with key stakeholders, has identified additional charging spots in and around Mumbai and with due approvals, will commence work. The auto driver partners, too, have been notified of these additional charging points.

In addition to this, more than 60 mechanics have been trained by LMM’s service personnel to handle Mahindra three-wheeler EVs.

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Electric Fast Charging Station At Mumbai’s CSMIA

Electric Fast Charging Station At Mumbai’s CSMIA

Six robust DC fast EV charging stations have been installed at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). They are available for service as Public Charging Stations (PCS) for passengers as well as guests visiting the airport. 

The EV station at Terminal 1 is at P1 - Multi-level Car Parking (MLCP). At Terminal 2, it is at P5 – MLCP. There is another station at the Airside of Terminal 2 as well. The owners of private EVs and commuters who will avail of the charging stations at MLCP in either terminals will be billed only for the charging sessions. They will be given a deduction against the parking fees.  

Adhering to all the requirements, policies and protocols outlined by the regulators, the charging stations at either terminal of CSMIA are of the CCS Type II Dual Gun 60 kW and GB/T (DC 001) Dual Gun 40 kW Charger type and compatible with all the prevailing EV cars in the country. There would be augmentation of 60 kW and 240 kW capacity EV chargers to cater to the needs of Airside logistics.  

CSMIA runs on 100 percent renewable energy with its onsite solar power plant, Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) and procures green power. For EV charging, the airport will source 100 percent green power, according to sources in the know of the development.

 

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BluSmart raises INR 2 billion in pre-Series B Round

BluSmart raises INR 2 billion in pre-Series B Round

BluSmart, a leading electric vehicle cab service and EV charging infrastructure network company, has raised $24 million (INR 2 billion) in pre-Series B funding round.

The company saw investment from responsAbility Investments (a leading impact asset manager); Sumant Sinha (a leading player in the Renewable Energy sector); MS Dhoni Family Office (former Indian cricket team captain); existing investors and BluSmart founders. 

The funding the company says will be deployed to expand its operations in India, as well as grow its EV charging infrastructure and assets.

Interestingly, the company claims it has grown its fleet of 70 electric vehicles in January 2019 to 7,500 EVs plying across Delhi NCR and Bengaluru. Its EVs have clocked over half a billion (500+ million) electric kms and delivered over 16 million electric trips saving nearly 40 million kgs of CO2 emissions since launch. The company has over 9,800 driver partners and also operates one of the largest EV charging infrastructure with 50 EV Charging Hubs spread across 2 million sqft. 

BluSmart states it recently crossed INR 5.5 billion ARR ($65 million Annual Revenue Run-rate).

Punit Goyal, Co-Founder, BluSmart said, “BluSmart is building an integrated energy-infrastructure, mobility and technology company to take the full advantage of the EV revolution. Our latest fundraise of $24 million is an important step in our journey to scale the e-mobility fleet and EV Charging Infrastructure.”

Sameer Tirkar, Head of Climate Infrastructure Investments APAC at responsAbility Investments AG said, “We are happy to continue our partnership with BluSmart through our second round of funding. BluSmart has been able to lead the way in building from the grounds up an entire EV ecosystem to disrupt the conventional modes of commute without compromising on reliability and convenience. We believe in their vision and capabilities in creating positive environmental and social impact by reducing carbon emissions in urban transportation.”

Sumant Sinha said, “The future of mobility is electric, and e-mobility is a crucial step in making the shift to cleaner, emissions-free transportation. India’s growing economy and favourable policies provide ample impetus to this transition. I am excited to partner with BluSmart in their growth journey.”

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