Ankit Sharma and Nitesh Papanoi from Gadgets 360 interacted with PUNCH.EV’s launch and Tata Motors ‘Future Plan to get some important and interesting details with passenger electric vehicle, Tata Motors’ Vice President and Chief Product Officer Mr. Anand Kulkarni (Mr. Anand Kulkarni). Here we have edited some reactions for clarity.
Ankit Sharma & Nitesh Papnoi: Tata Punch is the company’s first electric car in 2024. How many modifications and changes have been made in this new lineup (ACTI.EV) compared to the Ice version?
Anand kulkarni: Tata Punch Ev has many major modifications, it has been launched on a dedicated full electric platform named act.EV. Any EV built on top of it will be equipped with four layers. The first layer is powertrain, which is motor, gearbox, battery and power electronics. The second layer belongs to the mechanical platform, including features such as suspension, floor plan and attachment. In addition, the third layer is of E & D architecture, which means electrical and electronics, which have infotainment, telematics unit these types of things.
At the same time, the last layer is cloud architecture, which adds everything and brings connected car features for you. So, the most important layer of these four layers is the floor plan and the way suspension is connected. Because this is where the car actually stands on its feet. Now, this is an area in which there is a significant change. Because in the old ice platform, it is not designed around the battery. Therefore, there are always some agreements. Because you have to lay the batteries around the floor and you cannot protect enough places.
In Pure EV Architecture, what we have done is to design a vehicle or floor plan around the battery. And as a result, the batteries had to find more than enough space. For this, first we made place for the battery. Then we also had to see how the car would stand in the event of an accident. In such a situation, the structure, form and the hardness around it had to be designed. Then we also said that this architecture will be used for multiple drive configuration.
Ankit Sharma & Nitesh Papnoi: With the launch of Tata Punch.ev on the new EV platform, can customers expect a decrease in internal space within their cars?
Anand kulkarni: no way! Actually, customers can enjoy the increased interior space in Tata Panch EV. Some cars may have a front wheel drive, some cars may have a rear wheel drive and some cars may have an all wheel drive. Therefore, we had to provide space keeping this in mind. Then, when we did all this, we thought how to provide more places? Because that is the most important thing for a customer. See space is of two types, one is storage, meaning where we keep our luggage or other things. Second, where we sit and where we want to feel comfortable, which occurs inside the cabin. So, then we saw how we can make that place more comfortable and how to give more storage space.
Thus, focus on front storage was the inclusion of front, compromised boot space and focus on infotainment layer. Features such as Screen, HMIS and Arcade.EV app suits were integrated into Tata punch.ev, recognizing the desire of customers for spontaneous integration of the outside world in gadgets, information and car.
Ankit Sharma & Nitesh Papnoi: Has Tata Panch EV been awarded five star safety ratings? Or has the decision to launch it on full electric platform affected its safety features?
Anand kulkarni: In fact, the security aspect in the electric vehicle remains strong, as the inclusion of the battery increases the mass. Therefore, despite the large -scale increase, no compromise has been made on safety. We have not yet sent cars to GNCAP or Bharat NCAP. So we cannot say that it is five stars, but this is going to happen and we are going to send cars for testing. [इलेक्ट्रिक कार का] The design is designed according to being able to meet those requirements, but we cannot say anything until the certificate comes. Tata is known for its strong trains and we have designed Tata Panch EV on the same strategy.
Ankit Sharma & Nitesh Papnoi: Tata Motors, being a leader in the sale of electric cars in the country, offers electric cars of both short distance and long distances. Which range is more preferred by buyers, short range or long range?
Anand kulkarni: Long distance options are becoming popular among Indian customers. For example, in Tiago we are offering 19 kwh battery, which runs about 170 km and then, we introduce 24 kwh batteries that run 210–220 km. Everyone likes to buy a 24 kwh battery. Similarly, Tata Nexon has also been introduced in 30 kwh and 40 kwh battery packs and 80% people choose 40 kwh battery.
Ankit Sharma & Nitesh Papnoi: What is the primary focus of the company? Is its purpose to expand the range of EV cars or is the emphasis on advancing fast charging technology?
Anand kulkarni: As a company, we are committed to keep our technology ready for both fast charging and extended range. It is relatively easy to develop an extended range, as the infrastructure requires cooperation and co-development with various stakeholders. We have already taken the initial steps in the cooperation of Tata Power three years ago, starting the development of the infrastructure. Currently, there are about 4500 fast charging points on the roads, which are actively used. However, assuming that this may not be enough, we have recently established a collaborative network of charge point operators. We invited these operators to cooperate and share data using our comprehensive information on the operational pattern of vehicles, their location and optimal charging requirements. By providing these data, our goal is to support and facilitate the installation of additional charging infrastructure. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to pursue charging infrastructure.
Ankit Sharma & Nitesh Papnoi: The biggest expenditure in electric car is the battery. What is the assurance to people regarding the Tata Motors car battery?
Anand kulkarni: Yes, you are right. However, we are making our car batteries equipped with certification or warranty. Warranty is important. The battery pack warranty is for 8 years or 1,60,000 kilometers. The argument behind this period is that the average daily driving for an Indian customer is about 50 to 60 kilometers, which is about 20,000 kilometers per year. Keeping in mind the 2000 bicycle cycle life for LFP chemical batteries and the rear-life range of 300 km per cycle, the lifespan of the battery is about 6 lakh kilometers. Even in the case of second owner, the battery warranty is transferred when the car sells and the cost of the battery is covered under insurance in case of any contingency.
