JLR Explores Major EV Investment in India: Gujarat Plant, Tata's EMA Architecture, and Ambitious 3,00,000 Unit Project

Key Highlights

• JLR explores EV manufacturing in India for a major investment.
• Potential site in Sanand, Gujarat; exploring Tata's EMA architecture for Avinya range.
• Projected for 3,00,000 units; Tata Agratas' battery packs crucial.
• Strategic partnership with Tata Motors; Gen 3 architecture-based EV expected in 2026-27.

As India and the UK intensify discussions on the Free Trade Agreement, Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is considering a substantial investment in India for manufacturing electric vehicles (EVs). The move is part of the ongoing negotiation, and if approved, it will mark JLR's largest manufacturing facility outside of the UK.

Potential Investment in Sanand, Gujarat

While Sanand, Gujarat, is the likely location for this major investment, JLR is exploring alternative sites, including its original home base in Pune. The decision hinges on the progress of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement talks.

Utilizing EMA Architecture

JLR plans to leverage the Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) for its India EV manufacturing. Tata Motors will localize the EMA architecture for its Avinya range of cars, contributing to cost efficiency. The Avinya platform, originally unveiled in 2022, faced a strategic shift towards JLR's architecture, leading to a slight delay in the rollout of the first Gen 3-based EV, expected in 2026-27.

Multi-Billion-Pound Investment

The ambitious project, if greenlit, could involve a multi-billion-pound investment, yielding at least four models each from Tata Motors and JLR over the next decade. The projected volume aims for around 300,000 units, with a significant portion slated for export markets.

Agratas' Battery Packs

JLR's EV manufacturing plans align with the Tata Group's investment in Agratas, a cell manufacturing company based in Gujarat. Agratas, partnered with Envision AESC, is set to be a key supplier of battery technology and cells. A substantial part of Agratas' business is expected to come from JLR if the EV manufacturing project materializes.

Advancing Gen 3 Products

Tata Motors, in collaboration with JLR, signed an MoU for licensing JLR's EMA platform for the development of Tata's upcoming born-electric vehicles. This strategic move aligns with Tata Motors' transition towards Gen 3 pure EV architecture, aiming for a family or range of electric vehicles with a global footprint.

EMA Architecture Details

JLR's EMA architecture, announced in 2021, will underpin the next-generation Velar, Evoque, and Discovery Sport. The platform boasts advanced driver assistance systems, cloud connectivity, and a flat floor design maximizing interior space. Production is set to begin in the UK, but Tata Motors plans to localize the EMA architecture in India for the Avinya series from 2025 onwards.

Also Read: TVS Mobility & Mitsubishi Forge Alliance to Revolutionize India's Automotive Landscape

CarBike360 Says

This collaborative effort between Tata Motors and JLR represents a significant step towards a joint full vehicle development program, following the successful partnership on the Harrier and Safari SUVs based on the Freelander’s D8 platform.