Tata Trying to Pull EVs Forward in India – CleanTechnica

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In addition to some big renewable energy news, Tata Power, part of Tata Group, the largest business conglomerate in India, has been working to advance electrification of the transport sector in India. It’s provided one announcement on this topic this month and one last month. Clearly, renewable energy is still its bigger business, but the company is getting the ball rolling on electric vehicle infrastructure.

Tata Power × Tivolt

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Tivolt Electric Vehicles Private Limited (Tivolt), an EV venture of Murugappa Group and a subsidiary of TI Clean Mobility. The MOU is focused on advancing e-mobility in the commercial vehicle sector across India.

Together, they want to build a vast, robust EV charging ecosystem. Tata is bringing the EV charging solutions, Tivolt is bringing the small electric commercial vehicles. “TPREL will bring its extensive experience in setting up and managing an expansive EV charging infrastructure across the country to Tivolt dealerships, customer locations, and high-traffic public spaces. By deploying these strategically located EV chargers, TPREL will empower commercial EV owners with reliable and highly accessible charging.”

Tata notes that its work with other automakers has led to more than 200 customized charging stations being deployed in more than 100 cities. Yes, that implies an average of about two per city, but the key here seems to be that these are partnerships and customized charging solutions. Overall, TPREL has deployed 6500+ public, semi-public, and fleet charging points, more than 100,000 residential charging points, and 1100+ electric bus charging stations.

TPREL will also be looking into the possibility of deploying solar power for these charging stations. The company notes this isn’t just about being greener, it also would likely mean cheaper electricity for the EVs.

“Through our partnership with Tivolt, we are enhancing our EV charging network to empower the small and commercial vehicle segment — key drivers of India’s economy as they ensure seamless last-mile deliveries and efficient transportation,” commented Deepesh Nanda, CEO & Managing Director of TPREL. “A robust and well-integrated EV ecosystem will accelerate the adoption of commercial EVs thereby propelling India’s energy transition and paving the way for a more sustainable future.”

“We are excited to partner with Tata Power. This will be a key enabler in the Electric Adoption journey and the strategic partnership will accelerate the development of EV charging infrastructure,” said Saju Nair, CEO of Tivolt Electric Vehicles. “This MoU is a significant step towards empowering the EV ecosystem for e trucks with robust, accessible charging solutions, ensuring that clean and sustainable mobility becomes a reality for our customers.”

Expansion in Uttar Pradesh

This is more of a matter of regional interest, but TPREL also reported that it installed a new EV charging station in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh. This is reportedly a big deal because the charging station is “pivotal in enhancing connectivity across Eastern UP, linking key cities such as Sultanpur, Ballia, and Gorakhpur,” the company writes. “By opening a vital corridor from Ballia to Lucknow, Tata Power has energized the route, significantly improving accessibility for EV users.”

To be honest, though, the next part of the announcement just highlights how much work India needs to do on the EV charging front, how much it is behind places like China, Europe, and even the US. “The new infrastructure features a 30kW charger at Puneet Auto Sales in Ballia, marking the starting point of this network and Azamgarh hosts another 30kW charger at the Sarvodya Digital Library, facilitating travel for electric vehicle owners over a distance of 130 kilometers,” Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited writes. “Continuing along the corridor is a 30kW charger in Sultanpur located at Motel Nh56 followed by a robust 60kW fast charger at Shalimar Corporate Park in Lucknow.”