According to LiveMint, which cited sources, Tata Motors Ltd. is collaborating with Octillion Power Systems, a Chinese battery pack manufacturer, to increase the amount of batteries it supplies for electric cars (EVs). This represents a change from Tata Motors’ prior approach of just obtaining battery packs from Tata AutoComp Systems Ltd., a member of its group.
The company’s most recent Curvv coupe SUV will be equipped with Octillion lithium-ion battery packs, which are manufactured in India and have their headquarters in California. With this collaboration, Tata Motors will work with an outside battery provider for the first time since the 2020 launch of the Nexon EV.
This decision attempts to address performance difficulties, including as battery charge decreases in previous models, and is a response to challenges in the EV market. Tata Motors is trying to make its EVs more reliable by using innovative designs for battery packs and a variety of cell types. As it launches new EV models, the company’s collaboration with Octillion also enables it to improve its technological skills and grow its supply chain.
Just this year, Pune, India saw the establishment of a 2GWh battery pack production plant by Octillion, a new supplier from China. Tata Motors has selected Octillion’s battery packs for the 45kWh Curvv EV version. These packs consist of 15.2Ah cylindrical cells supplied by EVE, another Chinese manufacturer.
The individual needs of the battery pack, such as energy density, temperature control, and packaging flexibility, will determine whether to use prismatic or cylindrical cells. According to a Tata Motors representative who spoke to LiveMint, the business is implementing a multi-sourcing approach to lower supply chain risks and eliminate reliance on a single source, guaranteeing a consistent and timely supply of parts. The spokesman also mentioned the industry’s strong rise in EV sales, which increased from roughly 6,000 units in FY21 to roughly 100,000 units in FY24.
