Tata Motors announced a strategic partnership with Jaguar Land Rover to share their Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) to built their premium EV, Avinya.
Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd (Tata’s electric vehicle subsidiary) and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to license JLR’s Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform. Under this agreement, Tata will pay a royalty fee for access to the EMA platform, which encompasses the electrical architecture, electric drive unit, battery pack, and manufacturing expertise. This collaboration is aimed at developing Tata’s forthcoming all-electric vehicles.
Tata Motors’ strategy involves transitioning to skateboard-style electric vehicles (EVs) or what they refer to as Gen 3 products. They have previously outlined their roadmap with Gen 1 as converted architecture, Gen 2 as a flexible platform for both internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery electric vehicles (BEV), and now Gen 3 as a pure EV architecture. The EMA platform from JLR is considered a suitable fit for Tata’s premium Avinya EV, aligning with their Gen 3 aspirations.
The Avinya is not just a single car but an architectural platform that may spawn a range of electric vehicles in the future. It’s designed to be a premium offering and is planned for a global market, potentially positioning it similarly to JLR’s premium models. This collaboration is expected to accelerate Tata Motors’ development in advanced electrical and electronic architecture, preparing them for the future of autonomous vehicles. It’s seen as a mutually beneficial strategy for both Tata Motors and JLR.
JLR initially introduced the born-electric EMA architecture in 2021, which is set to underpin the next-generation Velar, Evoque, and Discovery Sport models. The Velar is slated to be the first vehicle using this platform, with a planned debut in late 2024. The EMA platform is designed to incorporate advanced driver assistance systems, extensive cloud connectivity, and communication with other vehicles and infrastructure. It offers a flat floor for maximum interior space and the flexibility to accommodate various battery chemistries.
The EMA platform also supports Software Over The Air (SOTA), Level 2+ autonomy, and Feature Over The Air (FOTA) capabilities. It features an integrated propulsion system with cell-to-pack battery technology, battery management, and charging infrastructure. The platform is designed for a 5-star safety rating and ultrafast charging capabilities for high-performance EVs.
Initial production of vehicles based on the EMA platform is scheduled to begin at JLR’s Halewood plant in the UK from late 2024. However, starting from 2025, Tata Motors plans to localize the EMA architecture in India for its Avinya series to maintain cost competitiveness while retaining a premium positioning.
This marks the second major joint project between Tata Motors and JLR, following the development of the Harrier and Safari SUVs based on the Jaguar Land Rover Freelander D8 platform. The collaboration on the EMA platform for a complete vehicle development program represents a significant step forward in their partnership.