Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE: The Future of EVs & Mobility

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Virendra Gupta, Vice President of MOVE at Tata Communications
Tata Communications’s Virendra Gupta explores the EV revolution and the future of the mobility industry at Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE 2024

At Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE, Virendra Gupta, Vice President of MOVE at Tata Communications, provided a comprehensive overview of the future of electric vehicles (EVs) and mobility. 

He discussed key challenges in global EV adoption, advancements in battery technology and the transformative impact of EVs on urban environments and supply chains.

To watch Virendr’s fireside chat, click here.

Virendra Gupta, Vice President of MOVE at Tata Communications

Tackling charging infrastructure and regional challenges

Virendra begins by highlighting the disparity in global EV adoption due to variations in infrastructure maturity. 

Governments in developed nations are providing incentives and forming public-private partnerships to expand charging networks. Meanwhile, in developing countries, issues like unreliable electricity supply and inadequate solar power integration remain barriers to adoption.

He notes that governments are increasingly exploring renewable energy solutions for EV charging stations, which could address electricity supply challenges and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. 

However, regional road discipline and infrastructure, especially in developing countries, pose additional challenges for EV adoption and the deployment of autonomous vehicles.

Advancements in battery technology

Battery innovation is critical to the EV ecosystem, with current research focusing on technologies like solid-state batteries and silicon anodes. These advancements aim to address consumer concerns, including range anxiety, high upfront costs and long charging times.

Virendra explains that improvements in battery efficiency, scalability and cost reduction would accelerate EV adoption. He also emphasises the need for robust battery management systems to ensure safety, especially in preventing incidents like overheating and fire.

Virendra Gupta, Vice President of MOVE at Tata Communications

Urban planning and the EV shift

The integration of EVs and alternative mobility solutions requires proactive urban planning. Virendra stresses the importance of considering EV-specific infrastructure in both greenfield and brownfield projects. 

For greenfield developments – such as new airports or city expansions – planning should include charging networks and reliable electricity supply from the outset.

For existing urban areas, retrofitting infrastructure for EV adoption is a more complex but equally critical task. This will ensure seamless integration of EV fleets and autonomous vehicles into cities, helping to address issues like pollution and congestion.

Transforming the supply chain

The shift to EVs is driving significant changes in the automotive supply chain. Traditional suppliers are being replaced by those specialising in components like batteries and electric motors. 

Virendra highlights the importance of sourcing raw materials responsibly, given the ethical concerns around mining practices for battery materials.

He also stresses the potential of battery recycling and reverse supply chains to mitigate resource constraints. Additionally, software-defined vehicle architectures, which offload processing to the cloud, can reduce reliance on in-vehicle compute units, further streamlining supply chain demands.

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Consumer-driven innovation

Consumer preferences are heavily influencing EV development. Virendra outlines three primary drivers:

  1. Cost reduction: OEMs are focused on lowering the upfront cost of EVs, which remains higher than traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.
     
  2. Performance: Extending battery range, reducing charging times and enhancing safety features are key priorities.
     
  3. Safety: AI-enabled battery management systems can predict and prevent overheating, addressing safety concerns and boosting consumer confidence.

These advancements not only improve functionality but also make EVs more attractive to a wider audience, accelerating adoption globally.

Virendra Gupta, Vice President of MOVE at Tata Communications

Shaping the EV future

Virendra concludes by emphasising the need for governments to play a proactive role in supporting the EV ecosystem. Policies that promote renewable energy integration, local battery production and safe recycling practices are essential for sustainable growth.

To watch Virendr’s fireside chat, click here.

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