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Driving the future of EV landscape with smart sensing solutions

In conversation with Dr. Balaji Venkataraman, President, TVS Sensing Solutions.

Dr. Balaji Venkataraman, President, TVS Sensing Solutions

The Indian electric vehicle scenario is undergoing a transformation with the sector experiencing immense growth opportunities in recent times.  As a leading manufacturer and exporter of EV products in India, TVS Sensing Solutions has been at the forefront of this budding industry. To bolster the smart mobility segment, the company has been developing products to better suit the evolving needs of its customers.

In conversation with Dr. Balaji Venkataraman, President, TVS Sensing Solutions to know more about the future of mobility solutions, factors hindering wider adoption of EVs, and the road ahead.

As one of India’s leading manufacturers and exporters of EV products, how do you perceive the current state of the Indian EV auto market? What are the key driving factors contributing to the growth and adoption of electric vehicles in the country? 

The EV sector is experiencing significant transformations fuelled by industry trends, which bring forth promising opportunities for growth and success. The increased availability of electric vehicle models has accelerated to progress the adoption of electric vehicles in India. Government initiatives, increasing demand, and improving technology continue to be key factors driving the market. While EVs are gaining traction, charging infrastructure, high upfront costs and range anxiety remain a challenge. There is a growing ecosystem to expand the charging infrastructure. Collaborative efforts from the government and industry stakeholders to promote EV adoption drive the transition towards cleaner and sustainable transportation options.

TVS Sensing Solutions has been making significant progress in the smart mobility segment. Could you share some insights into the company’s initiatives and contributions in this area? How does TVS Sensing Solutions align its products and solutions with the evolving needs of the smart mobility industry?

As one of India’s leading auto component manufacturers, we are making momentous progress in this segment. In response to address the demands of the smart mobility industry, we continue to acknowledge and adapt our offerings accordingly. TVS Sensing Solution aims to be a prominent player in this space delivering cutting-edge solutions that support autonomous driving, connectivity, and electrification. Our state-of-the-art development infrastructure is well-equipped to tackle new challenges and deliver electric vehicle solutions catering to customer requirements. We aim to actively contribute to the progress of this sector by staying at the forefront of significant trends and collaborating with industry partners. 

TVS Sensing Solutions boasts a comprehensive range of EV products. Could you provide an overview of the cutting-edge auto components you manufacture and supply for the EV market? What sets your products apart and how do they contribute to the overall performance and efficiency of electric vehicles?

We have forayed into the EV sector with a comprehensive range of products specifically designed for this industry. Our offerings encompass ARAI-approved DC-DC converters, Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors, Side stand sensors, Throttle Position Sensors, and Acoustic Vehicle Alert Systems. We are dedicated to expanding our product portfolio further, with upcoming additions including Oxygen sensors, Integrated sensors, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). 

All our products are rigorously tested to ensure reliability, and durability and reduce maintenance requirements enhancing the overall performance and efficiency of electric vehicles. Our core competency lies in Application Engineering and Customisation and we aim to contribute to the advancement of sustainable transportation with our sensing solutions.

Research and development play a crucial role in driving innovation and sustainability in the EV industry. How does TVS Sensing Solutions approach R&D to continuously improve its products and meet the evolving demands of the market? Could you share any recent innovations or advancements that have been made in this area?

Research and development play a critical role in driving innovation and promoting sustainability within the EV industry. Our in-house Development Center and Innovation Center in Madurai play an essential role in expediting the transition to a more efficient EV industry while improving the manufacturing processes. We are making substantial investments in developing cutting-edge technologies that enhance the overall capabilities of EVs, enabling them to achieve higher performance levels while optimising energy consumption. Our technological advancements are propelled by a talented team of skilled engineers. Furthermore, we have forged strategic alliances with external design houses, start-ups, and technical universities, positioning us at the forefront of the market. This system supports seamless integration between production and research, facilitating effective collaboration and delivering high-quality products and solutions.

Seamless functioning and widespread adoption of EVs rely on various factors, including infrastructure, charging networks, and regulatory support. How does TVS Sensing Solutions contribute to ensuring the seamless functioning of electric vehicles? What steps are taken to support the ecosystem and address challenges hindering the wider adoption of EVs?

TVS Sensing solutions strive to be at the forefront of innovation by consistently meeting the evolving demands of the industry. Our focus is to facilitate smooth operations of EVs and we are actively involved in delivering a wide variety of products and solutions that align with the dynamic market needs, innovating in connectivity and safety features. We strictly adhere to automotive norms to ensure compliance and meet industry standards for compliance and quality.

Challenges delaying the wider adoption of EVs include high costs, limited range and charging infrastructure. To address these challenges, we maintain our emphasis on cost optimisation and strengthen supply chain capabilities. By focusing on these strategies, we aim to effectively overcome the challenges at hand and pave the way for a seamless transition towards electric vehicles. 

The future growth of the EV industry presents both opportunities and challenges. How does TVS Sensing Solutions envision its future growth in this dynamic market? Are there any specific strategies or focus areas that the company has identified to capitalise on the growth potential in the EV sector?

Our focus is on establishing expertise in emerging technology areas within the EV sector and aligning our resources to strengthen those capabilities Our dedication to innovation, design, and application engineering strengthens our ability to meet customer requirements and deliver value to clients and end customers. We are actively involved in developing customised smart sensing solutions specifically tailored for the EV market. By leveraging our expertise in these domains, our objective is to establish a leadership position in the industry.

Sustainability is a critical aspect of the EV industry. How does TVS Sensing Solutions incorporate sustainability principles in its manufacturing processes and operations? Are there any initiatives or practices in place to minimise the environmental impact of the company’s activities?

We are committed to integrating sustainability practices into developing our products and solutions which includes efficient resource management and life cycle assessment. We follow supply chain sustainability ensuring ethical practices and fair labour conditions. We have begun taking proactive measures to promote sustainability and strive for net-zero impact. Our efforts include reducing water consumption, implementing energy-efficient LED lighting, and installing solar panels. Environmental regulation adherence remains critical, and by embracing these practices and driving continuous improvement, we strive to advance toward a greener and more sustainable transportation industry.

 Collaboration and partnerships are essential for success in the automotive industry. Could you highlight any significant collaborations or partnerships that TVS Sensing Solutions has engaged in to enhance its position in the EV market? How have these collaborations contributed to the company’s growth and competitiveness?

Collaborations and industry partnerships are integral to our strategy as a leading auto component manufacturer in the Indian EV segment. Our partnerships with OEMs allow us to understand their specific requirements, and develop tailored solutions that enhance the performance of their electric vehicles. We are also actively seeking global partnerships in the EV segment and are open to exploring opportunities in this area. These collective efforts enable us to stay agile and leverage collective expertise and deliver high-quality, innovative products and solutions that contribute to the advancement of the EV industry. 

 The OEM segment is a key market for TVS Sensing Solutions. Could you share some insights into the company’s relationships with leading brands in the automotive industry? How does TVS Sensing Solutions cater to their specific needs and contribute to their success as a Tier 2 supplier?

We continue to maintain good relations with our OEM partners such as Mahindra Electric, Bajaj Auto, Hero Electric, Ather Energy, etc. We have also established partnerships with EV startups, enabling us to work together closely with these innovative companies in the industry. These collaborations allow us to enhance our capabilities and drive innovation, promoting a culture of continuous learning and growth. As a Tier 2 supplier, it is important to understand and cater to the specific needs of OEMs. Customisation, quality, reliability, and timely delivery are paramount to contribute to their progress. Continuous improvement, cost optimisation, and after-sales support further strengthen the partnership. By aligning with OEM requirements, we become a trusted partner in their supply chain and contribute to the success of our partners within a competitive automotive industry.

What is TVS Sensing Solutions’ vision for the future of the EV industry, and how does the company plan to stay at the forefront of innovation and continue to be a reliable partner for automotive, industrial, and appliance markets?

We are actively pursuing opportunities for growth, both organically and through partnerships, to effectively meet the increasing demands. Our focus includes diversifying our portfolio through global partnerships, enabling us to expand our reach and capabilities. We have consistently maintained agility in adapting to emerging trends and remain committed to delivering technology-driven solutions by leveraging the capabilities of our state-of-the-art Development Center & Innovation Center. We are seeking collaborations with startups to accelerate growth in our EV portfolio. We believe that partnering with innovative startups will help us drive faster progress and achieve our goals more efficiently. We are committed to creating a seamless and sustainable smart mobility ecosystem that prioritises environmental responsibility, fosters collaborative partnerships, and deliver customer-centric solutions.