New Delhi: Rajendra Petkar, President & CTO – Tata Motors, emphasised on the vital significance of sustainable transitions inside the automotive sector at ETAutoTech Summit ’24. He highlighted the twin problem of advancing each {hardware} and software program to realize sustainability objectives.
“This convention’s theme, ‘Engineering Sustainable Transitions,’ resonates deeply with the continued shifts within the automotive business,” Petkar said. He said that there’s a necessity of a “win-win” method that advantages all stakeholders, together with OEMs, the part business, authorities our bodies, and prospects.
Petkar elaborated on the twin sides of transition – {hardware} and software program. On the {hardware} aspect, he mentioned the crucial of product sustainability, accountable sourcing, and decarbonization efforts throughout the worth chain. He identified the numerous strides being made in direction of net-zero emissions and the adoption of round financial system practices inside the business.
He emphasised the necessity for environmentally pleasant practices inside the logistics sector, noting that enhancing effectivity in transportation and distribution is vital for lowering general emissions.
Turning to software program, Petkar painted an image of a quickly evolving panorama the place software program integration in autos is now not a secondary concern however a major focus. “The software program has the potential to eat the complete automobile,” he remarked, highlighting the shift from hardware-centric to software-centric automobile methods. This transformation, he famous, calls for agile improvement approaches and sturdy software program architectures to handle the complexities of contemporary autos.
Petkar additionally emphasised India’s pivotal position within the international automotive business. With a rising GDP forecast and a demographic shift in direction of a youthful inhabitants, India is poised to turn into a worldwide manufacturing hub, significantly within the automotive sector. He praised the federal government’s supportive insurance policies, together with the Nationwide Hydrogen Mission, which bolster the business’s development.
Wanting in direction of the long run, Petkar confidently asserted, “There’s each chance that by 2030, India goes to take a really pole place when it comes to the worldwide automotive pecking order.”
He additionally delved into the specifics of gas transitions, discussing the transfer from typical fuels to various vitality sources. He talked about the current announcement about E20 gas, a mix of 20% ethanol with gasoline, which is able to turn into the norm within the subsequent 12 months.
He addressed the continued developments in diesel blends and the rising position of hydrogen as a gas. “The alternate gas is turning into mainstream,” Petkar stated, indicating the growing adoption of CNG, LNG, and hydrogen in numerous automobile classes. He highlighted the federal government’s favorable insurance policies on CNG pricing, which helps its speedy development as a cleaner gas possibility. “CNG will not be zero-emission however an intermediate gas with vital optimistic impression on emissions and complete price of possession,” he added.
Petkar additional stated that, “There are particular classes of autos the place it will likely be battery electrical, and others the place it might be hydrogen-based,” reinforcing the concept a diversified method is crucial for reaching sustainability objectives.
He concluded with a name for collaboration and talent enhancement and confused that the trail to sustainability is multi-step and multi-year, requiring collective effort and innovation.
