TVS Motor Co will adopt an aggressive role in optimising opportunities emerging in electrification for the two-wheeler industry, Sudarshan Venu, the company's joint MD, said at our sister publication Autocar Professional’s 2-Wheeler Week.
“We are committed to electrification. We will invest and launch a range of products to really show our commitment and also seek to play a leading role. In two-wheelers (premium segment, scooters) and also three-wheelers (passenger, cargo), we will have the range. Around 500 members of our talented team of engineers are working on this,” Venu, the driving force behind the company’s EV market entry, confirmed.
TVS is also keen to expand charging infrastructure, and earlier this month, it tied up with India's leading energy utility company, Tata Power, for that purpose. As part of the MoU, the two companies are to drive a comprehensive implementation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI) across India and deploy solar power technologies at TVS Motor locations.
Venu pointed out that ICEs cannot be discounted, but while the ICE industry will remain, the big focus for TVS is really electrification for the future. “Preferences can keep changing, but TVS Motor is concentrating on offering an array of product options. EV battery life is getting better. New chemistries are being found, costs are coming down and new technologies are coming out. We need to invest in providing better technology going forward,” he added.
He also says that it is vital for India to start producing world-class EVs. According to him, this will enable better EV adoption and also help Indian two-wheeler companies maintain a degree of dominance in the global marketplace.
“Also, the industry is managing to overcome range anxiety and cost issues over the year. The subsidies cannot continue forever but people should look at the long-term vision. Battery costs are coming down and EVs becoming relatively affordable will help the push towards EV adoption,” he added.
Localisation required
Venu says that the localisation of battery cells and other electric drivetrain parts are a concern for the whole industry. “You do not see suppliers wanting to set up facilities for this in India. This is one such area which industry should overcome.”
“With some countries dominating the supply chain, this is an opportunity not to be dependent. We need to plan the electric transition the way it is to our advantage. We need to work and make it happen. Localised supply and renewable power are the key to ensure the benefit of EV is there for the whole ecosystem,” Venu said.
Rounding things off, he says, “The big focus is on EVs. I see electric as the most prominent alternative mobility option for both the two-wheeler and small three-wheelers”.