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focusing on electrification of Also, organizations like IIT, IOCL
automobiles, Tata Motors has and development agencies like the
been continuously pushing the ARAI are working on alternate fuel
boundaries in the electric mobility products. In parallel, the focus is on
space. Reiterating the company’s for hybridization of powertrains at
commitment towards smart & TML for improving fuel efficiency
green technology and mobility by way of development of PHEV/
solutions, Chandra said “we have REEV and meeting CAFE norms.
been showcasing our products and Advanced Powertrain technologies
technologies at credible auto shows as Fuel cells are at technology
both at India and International demonstration stage.
level, for over a decade now. “It has become imperative to
Shailesh Chandra, President With our understanding of develop sustainable and green
– Electric Mobility Business & the technology and customer solutions to be used for mass
Corporate Strategy, Tata Motors requirements, we have bagged transportation. Tata Starbus Hybrid
said, “We are optimistic about the order for Tigor EV, which we Electric Bus serves this need. The
the future of Electric vehicles and are supplying to EESL currently. In 12m long bus incorporates a diesel
intend to play a leading role in the the Commercial vehicle category, series hybrid configuration that will
electric mobility evolution in the we successfully participated in the significantly help reduce carbon
country. EV products come with EV bus tendering process and have dioxide emissions. We believe that
inherent benefits of zero emission won orders from six cities.” EV space will emerge gradually, as
and lower operating costs. As Promotion of alternate fuels the customers start experiencing EV
far as Tata Motors is concerned, is a Government of India’s products and more importantly their
we will continue to scout for green initiative. Tata motors, inherent benefits of zero emission
opportunities to fulfil our e-mobility are supporting this initiative to and lower operating costs.”
aspirations. We will also leverage develop and launch the products Chandra cites, there are
on the capabilities of other Tata with a high level of technical primarily two concerns when it
Group companies to develop the sophistication.” comes to electric vehicles in India:
full ecosystem and fast track the TML R&D center in Pune is being Firstly, EV battery cost continues
adoption of e-mobility. developed as a major facility for to be a dominant aspect of vehicle
With the automotive industry development work on PVs and electrification. As the conventional
and government increasingly CVs, in the field of alternate fuels. IC powertrains are replaced by
Li-Ion battery, motor and reduction
drive, the cost of the propulsion
system goes up significantly. This
means, despite FAME incentives,
the on-road price of a typical B
segment car is well beyond the
expectations for a retail customer,
eventually limiting its penetration.
Optimizing costs of the electrical
drive systems and providing a
commensurate payback in terms
of reduced operational costs are
the major challenges for OEMs
including Tata Motors.
Another challenge is the absence
of electric charging infrastructure.
Customers are reluctant to take on
an EV with the uncertainty of being
able to re-charge the batteries.

20 June-July ’18 / TrafficInfraTech www.trafficinfratech-com-500653.hostingersite.com