AI in EVs offers significant potential by leveraging the continuous stream of data these vehicles produce:  Anand Kulkarni, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility

In a recent conversation with Express Computer, Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer and Head of High Voltage Programmes, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, shares his insights on the future of electric mobility in India. With a legacy of innovation, Tata Motors is playing a pivotal role in transforming the Indian automotive landscape through the development of electric vehicles (EVs). Kulkarni discusses the company’s commitment to bridging the gap between EV and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, the challenges of charging infrastructure, and how Tata Motors is leveraging advanced technology to enhance the EV experience.

How do you envision the future of electric mobility in India? What role do you think Tata Motors is playing in shaping it?

Tata Motors has always been a disruptor in the Indian automotive market, not just with electric vehicles but with previous projects like the ACE, Nano, and Indigo. We’ve been early to identify emerging trends and lead by setting the foundation for success. Today, we’re working to bridge the gap between electric and ICE vehicles, believing that once this parity is achieved, electric vehicles will become more accessible.

Over the past five or six years, we’ve been committed to this goal. The technology has evolved rapidly, particularly in batteries and powertrains, enabling better ranges and improved performance. We now have over 5 million kilometres of data from our electric vehicles, which helps us refine our approach. Additionally, features like over-the-air updates, enhanced connectivity, and advanced safety features such as ADAS and EVAs are making EVs safer and smarter, akin to “software on wheels.”

What steps are you taking to address the critical issue of charging infrastructure in India, and what strategies are in place to overcome challenges related to battery range and charging time?

We need to look at the issue from a longer perspective. Electric cars have been in India since the early 2000s, but the infrastructure was almost non-existent until recently. Tata Motors, along with Tata Power, took the initiative to build the ecosystem, and today, nearly 65% of national highways have fast chargers within 100 kilometers. This has developed in less than five years, and it’s now possible to complete intercity journeys with electric vehicles. 

The main challenge remains range anxiety, but with the increasing availability of fast chargers, this concern is being alleviated. Additionally, more than 90% of EV owners charge their vehicles at home using standard sockets. For those without dedicated parking spaces, we are working with resident welfare associations in apartments and condominiums to set up charging stations, which has shown promising results in improving EV penetration in urban areas.

We’re also reducing reliance on frequent charging by offering vehicles like the Curve, which provides a real-life range of 400 kilometers at a competitive price point. With such a range, drivers can plan long journeys with fewer stops. For example, a Pune to Goa trip can be done in one go. Alongside this, our Acti.ev architecture allows faster charging—batteries can charge from 10% to 80% in 35-40 minutes, roughly the time for a short break. This makes long-distance travel more feasible, and we’re continuously working to enhance the performance and practicality of electric vehicles.

Do you think it’s a myth that India’s infrastructure isn’t as developed to meet the demand for EVs compared to other countries, or does this concern still hold true?

While we could always use more charging stations, the real question is whether a perfect charging network would eliminate range anxiety. The answer is no. There will always be some concern, and it only fades with use. Initially, EV users might worry about managing their trips, but after a week or two, they adapt by planning better—knowing where charging stations are along their routes. Then, range anxiety shifts to charger anxiety, where the concern is not about reaching a charger but whether one will be immediately available. The key question now is whether we need more charging stations along major routes, and that’s something we’re currently working on by studying how people use their EVs. This will lead to the next wave of improvements.

As charging infrastructure improves, there may still be concerns about battery costs hindering EV adoption. Are you considering any initiatives, such as offering battery-as-a-service, to reduce the overall cost of EVs?

First, regarding the battery cost, we are increasing the size of our battery while simultaneously reducing energy consumption per kilometre, which improves efficiency and range. Battery costs have also dropped significantly. For example, smartphones initially had expensive power banks, but over time, their prices dropped dramatically as battery technology improved. The same is happening with EVs. Batteries that once cost $1,000 per kilowatt-hour have decreased by 90%, making now a good time to buy an electric vehicle.

As for the second question on offering battery-as-a-service, the model in India involves paying an upfront cost for the vehicle, then a pay-as-you-go system for the battery, which includes additional GST at 18%. People often forget to consider the GST when calculating the cost per kilometre. Plus, there’s uncertainty about what happens when you want to sell the car. We’re watching how these models develop, but I don’t believe battery-as-a-service is a one-size-fits-all solution.

What are the potential use case benefits of AI in EVs and cars?

AI in EVs offers significant potential by leveraging the continuous stream of data these vehicles produce. This includes external data, like location, driving conditions, and speed, as well as internal data, such as voltage, temperature, and current usage. By analysing this data, we can assess the performance of our technology and make adjustments. For instance, we might reduce certain protective measures to improve efficiency without stressing the car. We can also optimise vehicle performance in specific environments and educate customers on how to maximise their vehicle’s efficiency. Through AI and machine learning, we not only enhance current tech but also inform future products.

What policies and precautions have you implemented to safeguard user privacy in the data collection process?

We regard this data as extremely sacrosanct and have put in place all the necessary strategies to protect it. First of all, we don’t collect any personal data—this is fundamental to our approach. We don’t compromise on this principle because the data we do collect is only used by us. 

Secondly, as I mentioned, we don’t examine personal data, so we don’t track an individual’s location or any similar information. We also do not share this information with anyone. 

To further safeguard user privacy, we have implemented necessary firewalls to prevent unauthorised access and ensure that our data cannot be hacked or compromised. We continuously provide security upgrades to maintain the integrity and safety of our data at all times. For us, security and cybersecurity are crucial, and we do not compromise on this aspect under any circumstances.

Are autonomous driving features part of your AI pipeline?

Yes, we are already offering some level of autonomous driving features, which you can see in both our ICE and EV vehicles. Features like approaching vehicle detection, surround view cameras, autonomous emergency braking, and lane keep assist are all available. For instance, we launched the Nexon EV45 two weeks ago, which includes these capabilities. Moving forward, we will continue to innovate and add more features to enhance the driving experience for our customers.

What are still the technological challenges in the Indian EV industry and EV industry as a whole? 

When discussing the challenges in the Indian EV industry, it’s important to note that it’s a rapidly evolving sector, and this evolution is happening worldwide. Currently, we are at about 2.5% to 2.7% market penetration, which presents a significant opportunity.

One major challenge is the charging infrastructure, which needs to be improved quickly. We are taking steps to enhance this, such as working with residential welfare associations to implement high-capacity charging solutions. 

Another challenge is the high initial costs. While battery prices have decreased significantly, there is still room for improvement, particularly for lower-end vehicles. Although the gap has narrowed for vehicles over 4.3 metres, smaller vehicles still face challenges that we need to address. 

Range anxiety continues to be a critical concern for potential EV users. We are striving to improve range through efficiency and battery size, though increasing battery size also raises costs. However, with falling battery prices, we should be better positioned to tackle this issue. 

The fast-paced evolution of battery technology is another challenge. Innovations are increasing energy density, allowing more energy to be packed into a similar volume, which we must continuously address. 

Lastly, I want to emphasise the value of second-hand EVs. Many people perceive them as low-quality options, but they actually offer a remarkable combination of low ownership and operating costs. As more second-hand EVs become available, I hope this understanding grows, and we will continue to work on improving awareness in this area.

What is your technology roadmap for the next couple of years? What are the key technology areas of focus?

It’s a big question because there are many developments happening. One of our objectives and our mission is to continue democratising electric vehicles in the country, not only through technology but also through design. Our design language is top-notch, and our cars are richer in features, more practical, and better performing than others.

We aim to focus on materials, batteries, electronics, and significant components like tires and body design for aerodynamic efficiency. Today, people view their vehicles as electronic gadgets and extensions of their lifestyle. Therefore, we must enhance connectivity and the real-life usability of the apps and features we offer.

Ultimately, everything relates to providing cost parity and ensuring that EVs are accessible through our engineering design practices and material science explorations. This broadly outlines the technologies we are working on. While it may be challenging to pinpoint one specific area, we believe these aspects are crucial for India’s future in electric vehicles.

Do you believe that, following the recent pager hacking incident in Israel, cybersecurity threats will become a major concern for the EV industry once its infrastructure gets more matured?

When considering electronification, electronics, and software, the risk of hacking will always exist. To address this risk, it’s essential to have risk mitigation strategies and cybersecurity protocols in place. Regular testing for penetration, vulnerabilities, and other related aspects is necessary. As long as functional safety, vulnerability assessment, and penetration testing are prioritised with the utmost integrity and importance, these risks can be significantly mitigated.

The incident you referred to is indeed colossal and terrible, but I believe such breaches are not easily possible in vehicles. While it’s not entirely impossible, it’s not something that can happen effortlessly either. Once you can control certain aspects, it simplifies the process. That’s why I refer to vehicles as “software on wheels.” However, with the increase in software, there must also be an increase in security measures and scrutiny to prevent incidents.