Driving the future: Anand Kulkarni on how Tata Motors is revolutionising EV technology and user experience

Tata Motors is striving to bring advanced features within reach of the general public through models like the Punch and Nexon, catering predominantly to technology enthusiasts. By introducing innovations like the ZConnect system, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionalities, and the Arcade.ev app suite, Tata is not only elevating convenience, safety, and in-car entertainment but also aiming to establish itself as a frontrunner in the ever-changing e-mobility sector.

Anand Kulkarni, who holds the position of Chief Products Officer at Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., is a visionary when it comes to the future of electric vehicles (EVs). He foresees a revolutionary path paved with advanced technology and seamless connectivity. Kulkarni highlights significant developments such as enhanced battery management systems, upgraded Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and cutting-edge IoT integration, all aimed at elevating user interactions and satisfaction.

Tata Motors is striving to bring advanced functionalities within reach of the general public through models like the Punch and Nexon, targeting tech-savvy consumers. By introducing innovations like the ZConnect system, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) features, and the Arcade.ev app suite, Tata is not only elevating convenience, safety, and in-car entertainment but also establishing itself as a frontrunner in the ever-changing realm of e-mobility.

Anand Kulkarni, Chief Products Officer, Head of HV Programs, and Customer Service at Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, shared insights during a recent interview with ETAuto.

With the increasing acceptance of e-mobility and OEMs gaining insights from customers and their vehicles via telematics, the forthcoming trends will not only enhance the user experience in vehicles but also democratize features across different price ranges.

Improved Battery Management Systems are on the horizon for electric vehicles (EVs). These advancements aim to enhance efficiency, optimize battery performance, and boost vehicle safety.

b. The evolution of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is significantly transforming the automotive industry. With an increasing number of vehicles adopting ADAS technologies, manufacturers have the opportunity to optimize the responsiveness of functions such as adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. This optimization aims to tailor these features to suit the specific traffic demands in India while maintaining user convenience by avoiding excessive intrusiveness.

Enhanced Connectivity: With the increasing adoption of 5G technology, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can harness the power of IoT to facilitate quicker and more reliable communication between vehicles and their accompanying infrastructure. This advancement will lead to enhanced infotainment systems and greater compatibility with over-the-air updates, among other benefits.

Enhanced Personalization through UI and UX Presentations: With advanced assistance from AI and ML technologies, personalized user experiences will be finely crafted. Cars will autonomously adapt to drivers’ preferences, adjusting seats, infotainment features, climate controls, and more, offering tailor-made journeys.

Central to our strategy at Tata Motors is ensuring accessibility and relevance in the features we provide in our vehicles. By strategically incorporating these top-notch features in our mid to high-end vehicle models, we aim to reach a broad spectrum of consumers.

Our commitment to serving a wide range of consumer groups, which includes the tech-savvy Gen Z demographic with significant buying power seeking unique vehicles packed with features, is crystal clear. This is why our design ethos, encapsulated in the New Forever philosophy, drives us to create cars that not only fulfill present needs but also endure as coveted choices that stand the test of time.

In contemporary times, infotainment systems and instrument clusters have undergone a transformation from their analog origins to becoming entirely digitalized. These advanced systems offer a plethora of information modes from the vehicle to the user. They not only enhance customer engagement with their vehicles but also provide various connectivity options. For instance, features such as wireless phone mirroring through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable users to access specific phone functions on the infotainment screen. In the cases of Curvv.ev, Nexon.ev, and Punch.ev, customers can also mirror navigation screens from Apple Maps or Google Maps onto their instrument clusters.

Users can tailor their digital instrument clusters for personalized displays, giving priority to essential details like speed, distance to empty, and navigation aids. Additionally, the inclusion of multilingual voice recognition technology improves accessibility, empowering drivers to manage functions hands-free.

A more pleasant, effective, and secure driving journey is achieved through the integration of these progressions.

Indeed, safety features such as iVBAC and LED lights stand out for their ability to enhance in-vehicle protection significantly.

Luxury vehicles in higher segments often feature the IVBAC system, short for Intelligent Vacuum-less Boost and Active Control. This advanced technology effectively manages brake pressure, seamlessly integrating regenerative and conventional braking for a smooth pedal response that maintains stability and eliminates vibrations when ABS is engaged. Additionally, the utilization of IVBAC helps minimize brake wear over time.

When discussing LEDs, the utilization of this technology can enhance the driver’s visibility with a brighter and more focused illumination, surpassing the performance of halogen bulbs. LEDs are not only energy-efficient but also boast a longer lifespan, simplifying maintenance and operation in vehicles.

Innovative technological solutions such as these enable us to stay ahead in delivering consumers a product that offers great value for their money while meeting their specific needs.

The advantages of connected car technology are vast, as it improves safety, convenience, and efficiency for users. This innovative technology plays a crucial role in enabling functions such as remote diagnostics and wireless software updates, guaranteeing optimal vehicle performance without frequent visits to maintenance centers. Furthermore, it empowers users to easily access essential information about their vehicles with a simple tap.

Incorporated as a standard feature in all Tata EVs, our ZConnect connected car technology provides a plethora of 48 diverse functionalities. Noteworthy among these are convenient features such as tracking the car’s location, monitoring real-time charge status, conducting remote diagnostics, and enabling operations like Lock/Unlock, Lights On/Off, Remote Horn, and AC On/Off for pre-cooling the cabin.

Furthermore, ZConnect enables us to gain valuable insights by monitoring the telematics data on the driving behaviors of our electric vehicle (EV) fleet across all customer segments. This information is analyzed alongside our ongoing algorithm development efforts aimed at enhancing battery efficiency. Consequently, we translate these optimizations into extended driving ranges through regular software updates for our users’ advantage.

V2L technology is an innovative solution that empowers users to utilize their electric vehicles as a portable energy reservoir. This advancement opens up various possibilities such as operating off-grid, serving as a backup power source, and facilitating the energizing of a range of consumer electronics. Applications of V2L include energizing devices like coffee vending machines, illuminating tents, recharging laptops and smartphones, as well as powering gadgets such as drones.

The emergence of V2V and V2L has unlocked novel possibilities for users, enabling them to explore uncharted territories. A user recounted a unique experience where they were in their hometown attending a wedding. As the celebration was in full swing with music blaring from external speakers, a sudden power outage brought everything to a halt. It was then that the user had a lightbulb moment and decided to leverage the V2L feature to power the speakers and resume the music.

In present times, this technology proves to be extremely useful in various scenarios. Besides social settings as mentioned earlier, users can also utilize this innovation to power up their e-bikes. Moreover, with the inclusion of 45W USB C Fast charger ports within the vehicle, users can swiftly charge their laptops, cameras, and phones.

In the realm of off-grid applications, the notion of vehicle-to-grid integration resonates with the increasing focus on sustainable energy and the demand for adaptable energy storage options. Regrettably, this feature is currently unavailable in our vehicles.

Arcade.ev, the pioneering infotainment app suite in India, provides a diverse selection of 15+ applications such as YouTube, Prime Video, Hotstar, and various games to enhance the in-car journey for customers. This innovative platform allows users to enjoy streaming the latest movies and TV shows from leading OTT services, alongside a range of other functionalities. The auditory component is elevated through the integration of JBL AudioworX technology, which incorporates 9 speakers, a sub-woofer, and multiple audio modes to deliver a cinematic experience in vehicles like Curvv.ev, Nexon.ev, and Punch.ev.