Tata Motors ramps up R&D spending by 45% in FY24, focuses on EVs and hydrogen tech

Tata Motors Ltd. has amped up its research and development (R&D) spending by 45.1% to Rs 29,398 crore in the fiscal year 2024 (FY24) as compared to Rs 20,265 crore in FY23, according to the company's annual report. This marks a significant increase from Rs 15,339 crore spent in FY22.

The surge in R&D expenditure reflects Tata Motors' strategic focus on developing a future-proof product portfolio. The company is prioritising the expansion of its electric vehicle offerings, flex-fuel powertrains, fuel cell EVs, and hydrogen internal combustion engines (ICE). These efforts are accompanied by investments in infrastructure to support these new technologies.

Beyond core vehicle development, Tata Motors' R&D efforts encompass several other areas. The company is working on wireless battery management systems, high-voltage wireless charging, and advanced vehicle control strategies to maximise EV efficiency. Additionally, R&D is underway for high-performance electric trucks for the international market as well as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) for intermediate, light, medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles across various voltage architectures.

Safety technology development remains another key area of investment. Tata Motors is incorporating advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), driver health monitoring systems, and connected vehicle platforms into its vehicles.

"The Company will continue its endeavour in R&D space to develop technologies, skill set, which will help the Company meet future product portfolio
requirements. This would be leveraged through multiple avenues like live projects, development of Proof of Concepts (‘PoCs’), new infrastructure/facility creation,
curated training programs for relevant areas & new methods/processes" the report notes.

Tata Motors' annual report further emphasises its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions. The company recently unveiled two state-of-the-art R&D facilities, including an engine test cell specifically designed for developing hydrogen ICEs and the supporting infrastructure for hydrogen storage and dispensing for fuel cell technology, in which Tata Motors has invested for several years.

Tata Motors' R&D efforts are also yielding results on the intellectual property front. In FY24, the company's India business was granted 333 patents and filed 145 design applications. Additionally, Jaguar Land Rover secured 337 patents and 279 design applications for its work on various alternative fuel technologies, ranging from battery electric to CNG, LNG, hydrogen fuel cell, and hydrogen-based ICE technologies.