Tata Motors is focusing on improving fuel efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing product quality, along with prioritizing post-sales support for operators, revealed Anand S, VP & Head of Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, in an interaction with Bus Coach India. Discussing electric buses, he shared insights on the company’s market outlook and future strategies.
Q: What are the products you have displayed at Prawaas 4.0?
At Prawaas, Tata Motors showcased safe, smart and sustainable passenger transport solutions. Our solutions address specific customer needs and applications. The newly-launched Ultra EV 7M features a 213kW electric motor and IP67-rated 200kWh Li-ion battery, offering a range of up to 160km on a single charge with fast charging capability. For long-distance and intercity applications, the Magna EV coach addresses the need for efficient public transport over longer routes and aligns with the Government’s vision for a greener future. The Magic Bi-fuel, offering dual advantages of petrol and CNG, serves as an ideal last-mile passenger transport vehicle. Our customized Winger 9-seater features luxury seats, air conditioning, and ample luggage space, catering to family leisure travel. The Tata City Ride Prime, designed for short-distance intercity travel, can be customised for school and staff transportation. Additionally, our new 13.5-metre MCV chassis with electromagnetic braking system enhances long-distance travel safety and comfort.
Q: How do you see the transition from BS6 to Electric, and from electric to Hydrogen? And what are the challenges and opportunities you see in the segment?
As we transitioned from BS6 Phase 1 to Phase 2 emission norms, we took this opportunity to relook at our entire product portfolio. We looked at how we can improve the total cost of operations (TCO) for the operators. Our primary deliverables include improving fuel efficiency, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing product quality, which ultimately increases on-road availability. We also give importance to post-sales support for operators. With government’s electrification initiative, we emerged as industry pioneers, successfully deploying 2,900 electric buses across 10 metro cities that covered the cumulative distance of 16 crore kilometers. We also forayed in hydrogen fuel cell buses and deployed 15 buses to IOCL. We are working very closely and witnessing the progress in fuel cell buses.
With stricter emission norms and rising product costs, we are focused on ensuring that the TCO parity for electric vehicles stays on par with diesel vehicles. Another challenge is access to financing, so we are collaborating with stakeholders to develop innovative financing solutions. Lastly, we are working with charging operators to enhance the infrastructure, improve vehicle efficiency and reduce charging time.
Q: Tata Motors is one of the market leaders in the electric bus segment, what is your outlook for the next six months?
The electric bus market in India shows strong momentum, particularly evident in Q1 of FY25. The industry has registered a 39% increase in Q1 FY25 as compared to the previous year, with positive trends across interstate passenger transport, intercity travel, tours and travels, staff transportation, last-mile connectivity and urban mobility. The government is actively promoting electrification as part of its net-zero emissions target for 2070, and we are aligning our efforts with these initiatives. Although electric vehicle penetration is still in its early stages, with adoption in the low single digits, there is immense potential for rapid growth. The e-bus market is driven by increased government emphasis on public transport electrification and growing investments in the EV ecosystem by leading automotive manufacturers. We maintain active engagement with stakeholders to develop innovative financing solutions, ensuring our products are accessible to our customer base.
Q: Safety is one of the major challenges nowadays for passenger and school buses. How Tata Motors focuses on safety?
Our comprehensive safety approach incorporates advanced driver assistance systems including electronic stability control, lane departure warning systems and frontal collision avoidance systems. Additionally, Fleet Edge – Tata Motors Connected Vehicle Platform provides real-time tracking and driving behavior analytics. This ensures that our vehicles meet the highest safety standards while providing a comfortable travel experience. Our integrated approach ensures our vehicles meet the highest safety standards while maintaining passenger comfort, keeping us ahead of evolving safety norms.