KPIT Cummins, Bharat Forge in green pact

In what is arguably a rare partnership in the Indian automotive space, forging major Bharat Forge and KPIT Cummins, a leading IT solutions provider, have come together to offer new age technology to OEMs and end users. Both companies have formed a 50:50 JV with equity of Rs 100 crore that aims to manufacture and sell an indigenously developed hybrid technology solution.

Called REVOLO, the technology solution is a plug-in parallel hybrid system. Commercial production is slated to begin in the next six months at a dedicated facility in Pune. The JV will leverage KPIT Cummins’ expertise in embedded technology and IT solutions, while Bharat Forge will offer its manufacturing experience and a strong list of prospective OEM customers in India and overseas.

The hybrid solution comprises an electric motor, electronic motor controller, battery pack, mechanical assembly and coupling, proprietary software for controlling algorithms of the motor and batteries and an intelligent battery management system to enhance battery performance and battery life. The technology is designed for vehicles with engines ranging from 800cc to 3000cc. The company says that tests at ARAI a and independent city driving tests with ARAI-certified equipment have shown fuel efficiency improvement of 60-80 person in a petrol run 800cc hatchback and 1400cc saloon, to 50-60 percent improvement in an 800cc diesel LCV.

The JV claims that using its hybrid tech will help reduce travel costs by 35 percent. KPIT Cummins says that this is perhaps the first of its kind offering in India where the system can also be fitted in the aftermarket. The cost will be Rs 65,000 in the lower end to Rs 150,000 for large engines like the one that powers the Tata 407 truck.

Internationally, there are some similar examples, but they involve a major technical modification such as changing the engine and transmission, which can cost around $25,000.