Saietta and AVTEC sign e-drive supply pact for Indian EV market

Saietta, the UK-based electric drive (eDrive) specialist, has signed a master supply agreement with AVTEC, one of the largest independent manufacturers of powertrain and precision-engineered products in India and part of the CK Birla Group.

The partnership brings together AVTEC’s expertise in the design and manufacture of transmissions with Saietta’s motor and inverter capability. The resulting eDrives have been designed for three- and four-wheel lightweight electric vehicles (EVs) for its first set of commercial agreements which have been secured with one of the largest OEMs in the Indian light-duty mobility market. Production is on track to commence in Q3 2023.

In addition to the supply agreement, Saietta and AVTEC intend to proactively market the combined eDrive technology to other existing and prospective clients, tailoring the core eDrive design to meet the precise requirements of additional individual OEMs in India and beyond. 

Modular transmission and differential.

The lightweight eMobility market in India is growing rapidly, registering more than a million EVs last year (up 210% compared to 2021). Designed in the UK, the eDrive units will be made in India.

Over the course of the initial five years of the supply contract, Saietta and AVTEC will have the capability to produce a minimum of 150,000 complete eDrive units for customers globally. It is learnt that 80,000 units have already been reserved for the launch OEM in India.

Exploring eDrive solutions for two-wheelers

Saietta and AVTEC are also exploring the development of eDrive solutions for other lightweight vehicle sectors, including two-wheeler applications.

Saietta VNA, a joint venture formed in May 2021 in India between the Saietta Group and Padmini VNA, will produce the electric motors and inverters in its Indian manufacturing plant and combine these with transmissions from AVTEC manufactured at its plant in India. The resulting 48V-96V eDrive solutions are designed to be lightweight, compact and cost competitive for light-duty electric vehicles in India.

Saietta’s AFT140 motor and inverter designed for high automation in mass-volume production. Highlights include compactness, high torque and power density and claimed class-leading continuous performance​. Intelligent design helps optimise key component costs.

Tony Gott, Executive Chairman, Saietta Group Plc, said: “When bringing any new technology to the mass market, it’s critically important to work with supplier partners who have a proven track record of delivering at the required scale, on time, on cost and on quality. AVTEC undoubtedly ticks every one of those boxes. We’ve been collaborating very effectively technically since Q3 last year and everything is on track for our planned start of production.

Saietta’s collaboration with AVTEC is a significant step towards delivering our strategy for India. Working in partnership with AVTEC, we will benefit from their transmission expertise whilst we focus on our core competencies of motor and inverter development to ensure that together we deliver high quality eDrive solutions to our customers in India and beyond. We intend to work together commercially to promote the features and benefits of our combined technology to our existing client bases.”

Neeraj Jain, MD and CEO of AVTEC Ltd, commented: “We are delighted to join hands with Saietta to develop and supply end to end eDrive solutions to customers, thus enabling the transition into a wider role.

This is a unique proposition that has been forged at an opportune time, as the EV space continues to grow exponentially facilitated by favourable government policies and incentives. We are evermore prepared to provide an exceptional product range and are confident to play a paramount role in this transition, creating a sustainable revolution of EV mobility in India.

This partnership will undoubtedly bring positive results and help us mutually to expand our portfolio and tap into emerging trends in the EV industry.”

Saietta VNA will produce the electric motors and inverters in its plant and combine these with transmissions from AVTEC manufactured at its plant in India. The resulting 48V-96V eDrive solutions are designed to be lightweight, compact and cost competitive for light-duty electric vehicles in India.

India’s automotive industry has been identified as one of the primary sectors driving economic growth, job creation and manufacturing technology advances as part of the government’s ‘Make in India’ policy. The Indian government is committed to promoting indigenous manufacturing capabilities along with technological developments to deliver high quality, cost effective electric vehicles for Indian consumers.

Whilst the overall Indian automotive market is expected to be the third largest in the world by volume in 2026, India is currently the largest producer of two- and three-wheelers globally.

ALSO READ:
Saietta VNA to set up new plant in India, strengthens leadership team

Saietta Group displays raft of eDrive innovations at IAA Transportation

Saietta Group displays light duty eDrive solutions at Cenex-LCV