It is known that Lucas TVS, a wholly-owned company of the TVS Group and one of the leading suppliers of starters and alternators for IC engines, is actively eyeing new opportunities in India’s nascent but evolving electric vehicle (EV) space.

The Chennai-based Tier 1 automotive component manufacturer’s journey in this new industry segment is already two years old. It was in early 2017 that Lucas TVS set up a dedicated business vertical for EVs, one of the first component suppliers in India to do so. The primary goal was to try to find new growth opportunities in various motors used in automotive applications both in hybrid and battery electric vehicles (EVs) in India. That effort can now be seen at the Auto Expo Components Show.

Lucas TVS today showcased its strength in developing components for electric vehicles (EVs) by a robust display of its in-house-developed e-rickshaw motor, e-auto motor and e-two-wheeler motor at the Auto Components Expo 2020 at Hall 3GF, Stall No. 3.34 in Pragati Maidan. 

Having decided to make the most of the global megatrend of e-mobility two years ago, the company’s first  engagement with the sector was the development of an e-rickshaw traction motor. 

The 48V/60V DC motor of the e-rickshaw is showcased at Pragati Maidan. As of now, this is the only motor that is in production. "We have sold this to a few OEMs and it is our current mass market product in the space. We have supplied more than 50 samples to customers, which include OEMs and assemblers. On a monthly average we make around 500 of these," said M Padmanabhan, Marketing Manager (E-Mobility), Lucas TVS. 

"The theme for our participation this year at Auto Expo is electrification as it is the trend. Many know about our other products and we wanted to showcase our strength on EV space," he added. 

Also on display is an e-auto motor along with a 48V Axial flux motor and 60V Radial flux motor. The company is also targeting electric two-wheeler OEMs with an e-hub motor and PMSM traction motor. "We are in discussions with a few OEMs for these and have given out a few samples. They have tested it and have asked for some refinements, which are being worked upon,” said Padmanabhan