Tata Curvv.EV To Get Chinese Batteries: Here’s Why
Tata Motors is sprinting aggressively towards electrification and currently dominates the Indian electric vehicle (EV) space with a market share of around 68%. Recent reports suggest that the homegrown manufacturer could soon start sourcing EV battery packs from a Chinese company. Yes, they have done this previously for commercial EVs, but it is a first in the passenger EV vertical.
As per a report in the EconomicTimes, China’s Octillion Power Systems will be the new supplier. Tata has been procuring their EV batteries locally from Tata AutoComp systems, ever since they got into the EV business. Interestingly, Tata AutoComp’s battery packs used cells sourced from China’s Gotion.
Why’s Tata Motors moving to a Chinese battery maker?
While the LFP-based technology on Tata electric cars’ batteries is appreciated by many, there have been niggling issues. Many Tata electric car owners have reported abrupt charge drops and HV errors. The new decision is meant to address these concerns.
Also, Tata says the move is also part of its plans to diversify the supply and technology base. Working with multiple suppliers would enable the OEM to reduce supply chain crises and improve competitiveness.
Tata Motors currently has EV models of various body styles and belonging to diverse segments. The range comprises EV forms of Tiago, Tigor, Punch, Nexon, and the Curvv.ev. More models are expected to join in the upcoming years, including the highly anticipated Sierra and Harrier EVs.
The Curvv.EV will be the first model to get the Octillion battery packs (The 15.2Ah cylindrical cells for this, will be sourced from EVE, another Chinese company). Reports say that it would be just the 45 kWh version of the Curvv.EV that gets Octillion batteries. The 55kWh version will continue to use Tata AutoComp battery packs comprising 105Ah prismatic cells sourced from Gotion.
More About Octillion Power Systems…
Octillion Power Systems is a tier 1 supplier of EV and electric powertrain components. It has manufacturing facilities in the US, China and India. The Indian facility is located in Pune, Maharashtra, has a battery production capacity of over 250 mWh, and could possibly make supplies to Tata. Tata Motors and Octillion have had a previous association, as the Tata Starbus EVs used Octillion batteries.
What Could This Move Mean To Tata EV Ownership?
Octillion is a big name in China and has some fine EV tech to offer. The fact that they supplied to 10% of China’s battery EV market in the second half of 2020 would probably explain how big and rooted Octillion is. The company currently has a strong focus on its Indian operations.
The Chinese at large, are leaders in electronics, battery and EV technology spaces. Tata EVs could greatly benefit from this adoption. Several powertrain-related errors like the HV errors and charge drops- familiar to most owners of Nexon and Tiago EVs could soon be sorted.
Tata Motors have been unable to rectify these in many cases. Using the more advanced battery packs from Octillion could soon address these concerns the right way. This would thus make Tata EVs more reliable for the end user and guarantee him true peace of mind.
India’s EV Sales Declining?
Going by the numbers alone, we see a drop in domestic EV sales in July. Just 7541 electric cars and SUVs were registered this month, translating to a 2.92% decline. Despite this downtrend, Tata Motors continue to retain its dominance in the space, and the Chinese battery adoption will only add to this.