EV Magazine - Feb2023

BUILDING A

VEHICLE VEHICLE VEHICLE VEHICLE

FOR EVERY DRIVER

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THE LATEST UPDATES AND RECEIVE EV NEW INSIGHTS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

TOM SWALLOW

MANAGING EDITOR NEIL PERRY

CONTENT OFFICER SCOTT BIRCH

DESIGN OFFICER MATT JOHNSON

GRAPHIC DESIGNER SAM HUBBARD

PRODUCTION MANAGER KIERAN WAITE

PROJECT DIRECTOR

THOMAS LIVERMORE

MARKETING MANAGER KAYLEIGH SHOOTER CEO GLEN WHITE

CHIEF

CHIEF

VIDEO

WELCOME

THE YEAR OF COMMERCIAL ELECTRIFICATION

Ironing out the creases is bringing more and more consumers around to the idea of electrification. One way or another, commuting is evolving—whether that’s the adoption of EVs or the transformation of public transport solutions.

One of the trends this year, aside from gleaming new products in the automotive market, is the commercialisation of EVs. This includes the infrastructure that supports our charging networks’

sustainability, the conversion of trucks to all-electric or hydrogen-electric, leveraging AI to manage energy consumption across commercial charging hubs, and the exciting rise of eVTOL capabilities.

This issue of EV Magazine covers all of this and more, accompanied by some prestigious names in the industry: Tevva, Vertical Aerospace, Samsara, gridX, Smart, and EY.

Individuals have become accustomed to the idea of EVs; now it’s time for organisations to provide them with the infrastructure they need or adopt new technologies to meet their own sustainability commitments.

TOM SWALLOW EDITOR-IN-CHIEF tom.swallow@bizclikmedia.com

FEATURES

024 COVER STORY

Building a sports utility vehicle for every driver

034 CONNECTED CAR

The benefits of EVs and UBI. But where will liability lie?

044 CHARGING & INFRASTRUCTURE

Adopting cost-effective EV charging and making it last

052 FLEET & COMMERCIAL

Sustainable commerce revolves around electrification

060 MOBILITY

Sky presents no limit for EV flight, only opportunity

068 TOP TEN

Autonomous delivery innovators you didn’t know about

084 TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES

TCS drives e-mobility through future-ready ecosystems

IS COMING MORE CHARGING

2023 is upon us, following on from a seminal year that set the tone for progress to be made. One of the targets that organisations will be focusing on is charging infrastructure—or, as we like to call it, electrification infrastructure.

Charging isn’t the only solution to be globally spread, but it’s perhaps the only one gaining an influx of dedicated premises for juicing the vehicle as well as new features. Aside from the installation of charging stations, EV chargers will become faster and, hopefully, cheaper for consumers, while more intuitively leveraging smart capabilities.

Renewable energy will continue to form the backbone of many more power solutions, as electrification engenders a green-energy supply chain.

COMING CHARGING

LANE-CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

EVs aren’t just built to be more sustainable than internal combustion vehicles (ICVs); they also enable improved safety features with much easier application

One such technology is lane-control technology, which allows electric vehicles to automatically stay within the boundaries of a lane on a highway or other road.

There are several different types of lanecontrol functions that are commonly used in EVs.

• The first is lane-keeping assist, which uses sensors to detect when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane and automatically corrects its course. This can be especially useful when a driver is distracted or falls asleep at the wheel.

• Another common lane-control function is lane-departure warning, which alerts the driver when the vehicle is drifting out of its lane. This can help the driver to take corrective action before the vehicle actually leaves the lane, reducing the likelihood of a collision.

• On top of these two functions, some EVs also have lane-change assist, which can automatically change lanes when the driver indicates that they want to do so. This can be especially helpful in busy traffic, where it can be difficult for the driver to quickly and safely change lanes.

Overall, lane-control technology makes electric vehicles safer by helping to prevent collisions caused by lane-drifting. In addition to providing an extra layer of safety, this technology can also help to reduce driver fatigue and improve overall driving performance.

ENABLING SELFDRIVING CAPABILITIES COULD SAVE LIVES

One of the key advantages of lane-control technology is that it can operate even when the driver’s not paying attention. This is particularly important in situations where the driver is distracted or otherwise unable to fully focus on the road—and with cars becoming more knowledgeable of their driver’s concentration, this opens up selfdriving capabilities. By automatically keeping the vehicle within its lane, lane-control technology can help to prevent accidents and make driving safer for everyone. Lane-control technology is an important

innovation that is making electric vehicles safer and more efficient. As electric vehicles become more popular, we can expect to see even more advanced lanecontrol technologies being developed in the future.

THE C-8 SAILS ABOVE COMPETITOR ELECTRIC BOATS

CANDELA C-8

Candela’s C-8 model showcases the best capabilities supported by hydrofoil technology, aiding their mission of increasing electric boat usage

The boat that exceeds all others is one that doesn’t follow the conventional format.

Candela, the Swedish boatmaker, set out to revolutionise boating through combining innovation and advanced electrification, resulting in the latest and greatest boats opening up opportunities for seaborn transport.

The key to efficiency in the boating industry is the ability to increase the range per charge, which can be achieved by limiting the surface area of the boat in contact with the water. Candela’s hydrofoil propulsion systems limit the boat’s contact with the water, allowing the glide across oceans—also referenced as a flying motion.

The Candela C-8 has, in some cases, doubled the distance that electric boats are able to travel, completing the 84km trip from Monaco to Saint Tropez on a single charge.

CANDELA C-8 SPECIFICATION

1605kg DC version

8 passengers including driver

Width: 2.5m

Length: 8.5m

Candela C-Pod (45/50kW)

50+ NM at cruising speed

THE CANDELA C-POD DERIVED FOR ADVANCED ELECTRIC BOATS

The C-POD is a marine motor built for longevity and efficiency, possessing two small propellers and streamlined design that cuts through the water. Such technology is what enables a much smaller surface area for smoother actuation, and is designed in-house for Candela’s unique hydrofoil system.

The motor is built to last as long as the human that drives the boat and also benefits from silent propulsion, which minimises disruption to the surrounding environment— great for those lounging on its T-Top model, who like to admire the tranquil conditions of the open water.

The C-8’s flight controller system is capable of measuring the boat’s position in the water, as well as its speed and acceleration, to optimise the hydrofoil experience. Safety

WATCH

and experience are paramount, so the C-8 has undergone more than 10,000 hours of test simulations, design tweaks, and sea trials to provide the best performance possible.

HYDROFOILING CUTS WATER AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION

The key benefit presented by hydrofoil technology is how it cuts through the water. The C-8’s shape and propulsion system means 80% less water contact than the conventional boat, allowing it to reach farther distances and maintain a high degree of comfort that could even render seasickness of the past.

Candela offers up the boat in three alternate models, including the Daycruiser, Hardtop, and T-Top, all of which achieve speeds exceeding 16 knots, support emissions reduction and can be monitored using a mobile app.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: SAM CLARKE

GRIDSERVE Sustainable Energy Limited represents more than just EV adoption, providing UK-wide charging infrastructure and green energy solutions

In anticipation of our EV Magazine LIVE event, we caught up with one of our speakers— Sam Clarke, Chief Vehicle Officer at GRIDSERVE Sustainable Energy Limited—at the company’s second electric vehicle (EV) forecourt, based in Norwich, UK.

Aside from driving leasable EVs and checking out the company’s forecourt setup, Clark talks about the journey of the company to-date and provides more insight into future electrification plans.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR ROLE AND EXPERIENCE WITH EVS

I've been an EV driver for a long time, and part of my role within GRIDSERVE is to electrify the nation. That’s what our CEO Toddington Harper says.

Our team looks at all sorts of things EV-related, whether that be through releasing provision of the business or how fleets are going to access our network going forward.

Could you explain why GRIDSERVE is more than just a charging forecourt operator, and its work in sustainable energy?

The sustainable energy side is much wider than just the forecourts. We have what we call a ‘sun-to-wheel’ logic—a play on the old phraseology of ‘well-to-wheel’ about digging up oil, refining it, transporting it, supplying it to petrol stations, and so on.

We're still harvesting sunlight; it's just that we're not waiting 250 million years to dig it up. We're taking it from the sky on day one. Our energy source is the sun, our ‘oil refinery’ is battery storage, our ‘petrol station’ is an electric forecourt (or part of the wider electric highway infrastructure), and our vehicles are still vehicles but without tailpipes.

So we very much look at generation, distribution, and consumption of energy through the whole ecosystem.

HOW DOES GRIDSERVE SELECT A SITE FOR AN ELECTRIC FORECOURT?

We've got an entire data team that looks into that. There are lots of different metrics that we need to consider. One of them is power, so we need to make sure we're able to get

the right power to that location, or, if power is restricted, then how do we generate it locally?

We also look at the local demographic, the footfall of traffic, the distance from the main roads, the current market base within the area for EVs generally, and obviously the other charger types in the area. So, by virtue of Norwich, we've doubled the amount of charging provision in the entire area. What shift in consumer mindset have you seen as they attend a forecourt like the one in Norwich?

I think EV drivers are attuned to the charging requirements and that it takes a little bit

"I THINK EV DRIVERS ARE ATTUNED TO THE CHARGING REQUIREMENTS AND THAT IT TAKES A LITTLE BIT LONGER THAN WHEN YOU ARE FILLING A CAR WITH PETROL"

longer than when you are filling a car with petrol. Sites like this provide a number of different amenities that people can utilise while charging, so it's not just a case of the time it takes to charge, but involves grabbing a coffee, checking your emails, using facilities, having a rest, even if you're on a long journey. So there are lots of other things that can be done while charging.

Plus, we've got so much power here, and we can charge vehicles so quickly, that it becomes secondary to whatever it is that you are already doing here. We're trying to make sure that, across all of our sites, you’re not just charging but doing other meaningful things at the same time.

HOW HAVE PARTNERS SUPPORTED THE COMPANY ON THIS JOURNEY OF BUILDING EV FORECOURTS?

There are hundreds of companies that we've had to work with in order to deliver what we've already produced. Whether it be the companies that we work with to procure the solar panels, the land for our sites, and then the battery storage and the arbitrage and the trading on the grid, the construction companies that assist in building these. There's a huge complex ecosystem required in the background. We're delighted at the progress that we've made so far.

WHAT DEVELOPMENTS ARE TAKING PLACE AT THE MOMENT TO FURTHER THE GRIDSERVE NETWORK?

So we procured that network in the summer of last year and, since then, we've upgraded the entire network across the whole country to put in new chargers and facilitate charging for 85% of the service stations in the UK. In addition to the forecourts, we're also building out those locations as well as more super hubs, which will house 6 to 12 high-powered DC chargers as well.

Our rollout is largely separated by three prongs. One is to continually upgrade the service station provisions while putting in more hubs at those sites, but also in additional sites, too, on top of building a number of forecourts.

The next one will be built at the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport next year, making it the first EV forecourt to be positioned inside an international airport. So we're very excited about getting that one off the ground as well.

DID YOU KNOW

GENERAL MOTORS WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIRST MASS-PRODUCED ELECTRIC CAR, KNOWN AS THE EV1. THE PURPOSE-BUILT EV ROADSTER WAS RELEASED IN 1996 AND WAS THE FIRST ELECTRIFIED AUTOMOBILE TO LEGALLY DRIVE ON PUBLIC HIGHWAYS, CAPABLE OF 200 MILES (320KM) PER CHARGE.

“IT IS FEASIBLE, AND WE ARE MAKING IT A REALITY—EVTOL TECHNOLOGY WILL COMPLETELY CHANGE THE WAY PEOPLE TRAVEL”

MICHAEL CERVENKA, PRESIDENT, VERTICAL AEROSPACE

(according to Forbes)

1 TESLA US$67BN

2 NIO US$5.7BN

3 LI AUTO US$4.9BN

“THERE IS ALREADY TECHNOLOGY IN PLACE THAT TRACKS DRIVING CONDITIONS, DRIVER TRAITS, TRAFFIC, PAYLOADS, CHARGING, AND MAINTAINING SCHEDULES”

MAX EVERFIELD, ENTERPRISE FIELD SOLUTION CONSULTANT, SAMSARA

IS THERE A PLACE FOR HYBRID VEHICLES?

As energy prices rise, it has become significantly more difficult for consumers to know what vehicles are the most cost-effective. Cost parity between EVs and ICEs is causing havoc with consumers’ heads.

Is it possible that hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) could bridge the gap between the two?

“THE ELECTRIFICATION OF MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS IS INEVITABLE, CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE IS A KEY PART OF THE TRANSITION AWAY FROM DIESEL”

ASHER BENNETT, FOUNDER AND CEO, TEVVA

UNDERSTANDING EVs: LITHIUM-ION VS SOLID-STATE

In 2022, NASA released news of a potentially revolutionary battery. As solid-state batteries enter the realm of electrification, lithium-ion batteries may be used alongside their newer, more efficient, and cheaper counterparts.

As the most common form of battery for many electronic devices, lithium-ion batteries rely on lithium, which is not only decreasing in supply, but is also limited in terms of range and charging speed.

In comparison to lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries, lithium-ion is higher in energy density, making it more suitable for use in EVs. But there’s a new kid on the block: the solid-state battery.

Although solid-state batteries are not currently in use, they hold the most promising characteristics that could double the range of an EV with the same size battery. The difficulty with solid-state batteries has been to reverse the current within the cell to allow the primary function of charging.

Swapping out the liquid electrolyte used in a lithium-ion battery for a solid material achieves the same function, albeit in a smaller package— meaning that the battery is significantly denser.

SPORTS UTILITY SPORTS UTILITY SPORTS UTILITY BUILDING A

VEHICLE

SPORTS UTILITY FOR EVERY DRIVER COVER STORY

SPORTS UTILITY UTILITY

FEA TURED CAR: BMW i X3

CUSTOMERS #1

CUSTOMERS #1

CUSTOMERS #1

“MOST CUSTOMERS DON’T NEED OFF-ROAD CAPABILITY, SO WE DIDN’T ENGINEER IT INTO THE #1, WITH TWO-WHEEL DRIVE AS STANDARD”

DAV ID BROWNE, CEO O F SMART UK

Lifestyles

are

changing. Consumers want safer, more sustainable, Americanised vehicles—and EV manufacturers have cleverly clocked this trend

After spending countless hours looking at the latest electric vehicles (EVs) and reading electrification stories, it’s apparent that the majority of new models are bigger, bulkier, and more spacious than ever before.

From compact models to full-size family cars, a significant number of EVs arriving in the market currently are sports utility vehicles (SUVs). But are there more influential factors at play here than simply producing cars for status and prestige?

We turn to both startups and experts to find out what is going on; surely, you’d expect more sustainable automobiles to be smaller—especially when consumption is a key factor in ensuring minimal environmental impact. If anything, the lack of an engine would reduce the size of cars, right?

Despite the increasing size of many EVs, organisations are confident their electrified models are more sustainable than their internal combustion counterparts, as factors such as sourcing, design, and—an important one—drag coefficient become the talking points for making cars more sustainable.

AEHRA: DEFYING AUTOMOTIVE CONVENTION THROUGH E V CREATION

Late automotive startup AEHRA is approaching an entirely design-and-production method, as well as targeting the ultra-high premium vehicle market with its SUV model.

EV Magazine was lucky enough to witness the unveiling of its triumphant EV model, which, at the time, was released as a production-ready concept car designed by Filippo Perini, Chief Design Officer, and Alessandro Serra, Head of Design.

“Between 2017-2021, global sales of passenger vehicles (PVs) declined by 17%, yet we saw the sale of SUVs grow by 2.5% to command the largest share of the PV sales market. And SUV sales are expected to continue growing globally towards 2025,” says Randy Miller, Global Advanced Manufacturing & Mobility Leader at EY.

This arrives on the heels of some geographic markets—such as the US automotive industry—dominating the space, with drivers experiencing fewer perils due to the vehicles’ sheer width. Miller explains this is now a trend that, along with developed road infrastructure, has reached the rest of the world.

“Global consumers are now turning towards SUVs for their enhanced functional benefits, like higher ground clearance, superior offroad capabilities, upright driving stance, and more space compared to smaller cars.”

There’s no doubt that lifestyles are changing. Drivers are not only adapting to driving EVs, but consumers seem to be less inclined to settle for a small, easily manoeuvrable vehicle. SUVs appear to take consumers’ fancy for their practicality, safety, and as of now, their sustainability credentials. Equally, automotive companies are finding them much easier to work with, planting SUV-style bodies onto the latest EV battery platform technologies, which can become fairly bulky.

SMART SEES THE EV TREND AND SHIFTS

The two key words here are ‘smaller cars’, which is why companies like Smart come to our attention: they, too, are shifting towards more SUV-like vehicles.

A SMART APPROACH TO MEETING EV INDUS TRY TRENDS

The Smart #1 marks a new era for the automotive brand. The company—a subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz Group—is shifting its focus to meet industry trends, resulting in its compact SUV model. The car comes at limited availability, with only 1,000 available.

State-of-the-art technology allows the Smart #1 to achieve an impressive 273-mile range and providing drivers with DC super-charging convenience, achieving 0 to 80% power in just 30 minutes.

As the CEO of Smart UK, David Browne explains that SUVs are chosen “primarily to meet customer demand”, but that “EVs also lend themselves to taller body styles as we need to package the battery under the floor”.

This is the response he gave when posed the question of efficiency—in particular, whether larger EVs can actually be more efficient and more sustainable than others.

“‘Less economical’ is about weight and aerodynamics. We have to balance this against customer requirements: most customers don’t need off-road capability, so we didn’t engineer it into the #1,”—Smart’s own SUV model—“with two-wheel drive as standard.”

HAVE TO WORK HARD ON AERODYNAMICS, BUT OUR DESIGNERS MANAGED TO ACHIEVE A

DAV ID BROWNE, CEO O F SMART UK

“Our weight is similar to certain ICE SUVs of the same size. We have to work hard on aerodynamics, but our designers managed to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.29.”

Reiterating Browne’s point, to enable better efficiency, there’s less emphasis on the size of the vehicle, but more on the aerodynamic result, which is measured as the drag coefficient (CD). The ideal figure sits somewhere between 0.25 and 0.3 and is usually measured via rigorous testing and automotive, aerodynamic wizardry from the field’s technicians.

As a rule, the best vehicle shape for the lowest possible drag-coefficient is the teardrop, which can be seen in use on the Apterra Gamma. Nevertheless, Smart has managed to minimise the amount of drag experienced in the #1 and, as Browne highlights, 0.29 is “good for a car, but great for an SUV”.

SUVs are more for efficient than they seem Looking from the outside in, it may seem contradictory to buy an SUV, but manufacturers are thinking long and hard about how to make even the largest of vehicles move more efficiently and more comfortably.

0.29

0.29

0.29

“We are witnessing a shift towards smaller SUVs like crossovers—a smaller, lighter version that’s more fuel efficient than traditional SUVs—and this has driven most of the growth in overall SUV sales,” says Miller.

“However, it’s still difficult for mid-size or large SUVs to be as fuel efficient as a sedan or hatchback by simple design improvements. This has pushed automotive OEMs to electrify SUVs to meet both consumer demand and stringent emissions standards.”

EY: THE FUTURE

Electrification is about more than just cars. Climate change is at a stage that requires radical action to remove emissions from the atmosphere and mitigate the production of more.

EY recognises e-mobility’s long-term benefits, but there’s still much to be achieved when it comes to infrastructure and allowing cars to roam freely in a sustainable way. EY’s Mobility division provides critical analysis and talking points that help companies react to the shift in this sector, affecting the majority of businesses, from retail and commercial environments to the vehicle manufacturers themselves.

“WE

DRAG COEFFICIENT OF 0.29”

“BETWEEN 2017-2021, GLOBAL SALES OF PASSENGER VEHICLES (PVS)

(PVS) (PVS) (PVS)

DECLINED BY 17%, YET WE SAW THE SALE OF SUVS GROW BY 2.5%” GROW GROW GROW

DAV ID BROWNE, CEO O F SMART UK

Although it has always been a major component of automotive development, EV design is what allows them to achieve higher ranges per charge and provide customers with smooth, energyefficient vehicles, but there’s also an element of safety and comfort in the making of these cars.

Lifestyles are changing and more consumers are becoming mindful of how their cars make them think and feel. More importantly, with many cars featuring similar range and performance specifications, the key, differentiating factors are technology and space; bigger EVs serve as a blank canvas for both.

“We need to be smarter with design and product strategy in the first instance, and recognise those reasons why consumers want to drive an SUV and design around those,” says Browne.

“Beyond this, technology plays a key role, but that applies to all body types, not just SUVs. Optimised use of materials, powertrain efficiency, and improvements in battery chemistry or energy density all play important roles.”

As adoption continues, innovation also progresses, meaning that—from a charging perspective—the industry can expect to see more efficient use of energy via artificial intelligence (AI), thus driving more productive load balancing in energy distribution networks.

When operating vehicles themselves, AI and machine learning (ML) will accelerate the connected culture of EVs and drive towards autonomy.

THE BENEFITS OF EVs AND UBI BUT WHERE WILL LIABILITY LIE?

Recently, usage-based insurance has come to our attention. Here are our thoughts on how it could be leveraged by companies for a more competitive edge

WHAT IS USAGE-BASED INSURANCE?

Insurers

What this means is drivers with UBI agreements will pay as they drive, which is expected to lower premiums for good drivers or those who don’t drive as much. This solution does away with the previous requirement to set a specific annual mileage with an insurance provider, and instead tracks the mileage to create a ‘pay as you go’ model—much like how a homeowner would pay the energy bill.

Technology is already integral to both consumers and businesses operating in the car insurance industry. From a commercial perspective, there are solutions like telematics that can track individual cars and assess the safety of the user’s driving style.

In the eyes of the consumer, technologies that track their vehicles, like telematics, act as money-saving solutions but can also fill some individuals with concern—they’re being tracked; they’re being watched.

The fact of the matter is that technology is a critical component for driving safety and enhancing sustainability, and there are most certainly benefits from telematics and other solutions, particularly from a cost point of view.

Electric vehicles (EVs) will only force this into wider use as every car becomes traceable and organisations can begin offering out pay-as-you-go insurance models, which are based on the amount an individual uses their car and the routes that they take. Ultimately, this solution may result in a 20% to 30% cost reduction in comparison to traditional insurance policies.

This is something that automotive manufacturers can expect to use moving forward, particularly because EVs enhance the technology integration process, with every component being part of an electrified system.

As cars enter the digital ecosystem, telematics, usage-based insurance (UBI) models, and other digital solutions are being used more frequently—many for several years already.

“There is already technology in place that tracks driving conditions, driver traits, traffic, payloads, charging, and maintaining schedules, which provide the real-world insights necessary to accurately assess driver performance,” says Max Eversfield, Enterprise Field Solution Consultant at Samsara.

“Improved safety is the most important benefit from these technological advancements, but that isn’t to say there aren’t others at play. Insurance premiums are also brought down as a result of these instalments, as safer drivers means accidents are far less likely to occur, making vehicles easier and cheaper to insure.”

have recognised the opportunity that EVs provide for usage-based insurance or ‘UBI’.

Though few insurers have been able to share data in real-time, the future looks bright for a usage-based model and more organisations are operating pay-per-mile models. Other factors—similar to those measured by telematics—are recorded, including speed, acceleration, sharp braking and cornering, the time of day, and whether the driver uses their phone while driving.

MORE DATA MEANS SHIFTING LIABILITY

First of all, there is an obvious risk to any insurer, which is that a customer could still have an accident or experience natural or unnatural issues, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters. Unfortunately, UBI cannot alleviate this, nor can it foresee whether a car is positioned in the path of a hurricane—or at least, not yet.

Of course, it’d be amazing if these occurrences were actionable, but UBI as a standalone solution cannot predict the future. This is because UBI focuses primarily on the habits of the driver as opposed to external conditions, meaning predictability of the environment is limited.

Here at EV Magazine, we’re curious to know how the increased amount of data could affect technical liability between customers and insurers. The scenario being, if a customer makes a claim based on a malfunction related to out of date software, where will liability sit and how will the conclusion be made?

“THERE IS ALREADY TECHNOLOGY IN PLACE THAT TRACKS DRIVING CONDITIONS, DRIVER TRAITS, TRAFFIC, PAYLOADS, CHARGING, AND MAINTAINING SCHEDULES, WHICH PROVIDE THE REAL-WORLD INSIGHTS NECESSARY TO ACCURATELY ASSESS DRIVER PERFORMANCE”

MAX E VERSFIELD, ENTERPRISE FIELD SOLUTION CONSULTANT SAMSARA

Aside from the inevitable—and the inherent feeling that someone is watching you (which will eventually whittle away), organisations using UBI will attract drivers that are less likely to take risks, and more so in order to save money. In the awareness stage, insurers look to get a buy-in from the right consumers; those that want to save money through good behaviour.

Once customers are on-board with solutions like telematics, they immediately see the benefits, especially in an industry where— for young drivers—the lowest price becomes a source of loyalty. From a business perspective, serving more careful drivers will reduce the cost of each claim that ‘comes across the desk’.

Finally, one of the more crucial benefits of data-driven insurance is personalisation. Companies can provide very flexible insurance plans to their customers, giving them further loyalty points. Telematics is merely a catalyst for aggregated data that allows organisations to make decisions based on how their customers drive, but shows great marketing and sales benefits to businesses.

INSURANCE TECHNOLOGY IS BECOMING EASIER TO INTEGRATE

It’s not long before e-mobility becomes another string in the bow of digital

ecosystem providers. The technology implemented in cars today is similar to that of the latest smartphone, tablet or laptop, leveraging the easily-integrated platform of EVs.

Certain companies’ ability to track the health of their cars and regularly update the digital infrastructure for safety is particularly important in the wake of EVs’ integration into the wider network. In turn, this prevents unexpected maintenance and malfunctions from occurring, which can lead to costly insurance claims.

Real-time data is a critical component of securing assets and will become the new model of maintenance, leaving organisations more accountable for the health of automobiles.

Eversfield provides notable examples of organisations that are leveraging data through technical devices to make the roads safer.

“IMPROVED SAFETY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT BENEFIT FROM THESE TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS, BUT THAT ISN’T TO SAY THERE AREN’T OTHERS AT PLAY”

MAX E VERSFIELD, ENTERPRISE FIELD SOLUTION CONSULTANT SAMSARA

“INITIATIVES SUCH AS THIS ALLOW INSURERS TO REWARD FLEET USERS WITH MONEY-BACK ON INSURANCE POLICIES WHEN THEY IMPROVE SAFETY, WHICH IN TURN ENCOURAGES THEM TO INVEST MORE IN IMPROVING THEIR DRIVERS’ SAFETY”

MAX E VERSFIELD, ENTERPRISE FIELD SOLUTION

CONSULTANT SAMSARA

One of these is Flock, which he explains has “transformed the insurance industry, as it’s an insurer that’s proactive and seeking safer roads for all, not just profit”.

“Working

with usage-based

insurers like Flock allows automotive firms to encourage better safety of fleets, whilst also improving their commercial viability.”

The UK-based company, elmo, is another organisation that supports UBI through its subscription-based service, which is inclusive of insurance.

“Elmo uses Samsara’s connected platform across its fleet. This next generation of vehicle leasing business is able to provide real-time data that relates specifically to safety and driver behaviour,” says Eversfield.

“Initiatives such as this allow insurers to reward fleet users with money-back on insurance policies when they improve safety, which in turn encourages them to invest more in improving their drivers’ safety.”

ADOPTING COST-EFFECTIVE EV CHARGING AND MAKING IT LAST

Businesses adopting charging infrastructure will leverage AI to manage cost and meet EV demand, long-term

Commercial vehicle fleets are changing, and businesses’ task has evolved from managing fuel cards to optimising the electricity usage of their vehicles. As with many electric vehicle (EV) processes, the emphasis is now on the use of technology to distribute energy effectively and provide the most cost-effective solutions to commercial fleet operations.

Not only does this change the business approach for logistics organisations, it’s also a cost-optimisation process for companies planning to switch their pool cars, provide their employees with new, more sustainable company cars, and ensure that customers or partners coming to their sites are welcomed with charging points at the ready.

In such cases, there are two challenges that arise, both of which are directly related but also inherit sustainability benefits, as well: cost and longevity. Organisations want to spend less money and time on their charging solutions while ensuring they last for the foreseeable future. Considering that current legacy infrastructure must be adapted to suit, with organisations also driven by sustainability commitments, they’re unlikely to find a solution on the shelf.

Senior Account Executive Ronan de la Gournerie is keen to use the gridX platform to support organisations in their EV fleet transformations, agreeing that artificial intelligence (AI) is a critical component.

With an emphasis on the UK market, the points expressed are related to the industry on a global level as both Europe and the US have seen significant growth in EV adoption—with the US exceeding double the number of EVs in 2022, and Europe also continuing growth.

“The sale of new EVs has never been higher, with roughly 200,000 EVs hitting the roads between January and November this year. These circumstances are necessitating the rapid scaling of charging infrastructure in the residential, public, and commercial spheres,” says de la Gournerie.

Rightly explained, the world needs more charging infrastructure and organisations are capable of working together to catalyse such shifts in the e-mobility sector.

ADDRESSING THE COST OF CHARGING EV FLEETS

One of the hurdles that many businesses face is justifying the cost of EV charging for employees at the office, or for customers at retail outlets. It’s also easy to visualise the concerns among small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) that have less to invest in sustainable initiatives.

In this instance, an organisation like gridX— having worked with organisations like E.ON and DHL—can provide valuable solutions to manage energy consumption and overcome the cost barrier.

“When building EV chargers at commercial sites, costs are a major factor—both upfront installation prices and recurring operational costs of energy and maintenance,” says de la Gournerie.

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“Energy management solutions, such as those developed by gridX, help on both fronts: on the installation side, dynamic load management eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming grid extensions; and on the operational side, holistic optimisation of energy flows better balances supply and demand to shave peak charging loads and reduce energy costs.”

On both sides de la Gournerie mentions, artificial intelligence (AI) enabled systems are leveraged more to support each outcome, which comes as no surprise as fleet operators like Amazon are already using energy management systems to optimise consumption, but also charging times—to meet strict delivery schedules.

The AI solution takes care of both layers of EV charging challenges. “On the operational side, AI can predict EV’s future energy requirements by automatically incorporating user habits to prioritise charging points and

optimise energy usage at commercial sites,” says de la Gournerie as he explains the pros to AI integration.

“From a maintenance perspective, AI allows predictive maintenance to reduce the downtime of devices. By maximising utilisation of charging points and making full use of electrical capacity, businesses can minimise costs for both infrastructure and energy.”

We can also see where AI promotes longevity as well, with charging equipment maintained for prolonged use. Much like their fuel station counterparts, charging stations should be able to withstand

“ONLY BY TAKING INCREASINGLY COMPLEX REQUIREMENTS INTO ACCOUNT THROUGH SMART, HOLISTIC ENERGY MANAGEMENT CAN EV CHARGING BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE, RELIABLE, AND COST-EFFICIENT”

RONAN DE LA GOURNERIE, SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, GRIDX

GRIDX: CUSTOMISING

DIGITAL ENERGY

SOLUTIONS

AI is a staple in the technology environment— and clients like DHL, E.ON, and Viessman will agree. gridX, like many organisations, is committed to the climate challenge and provides AI-driven solutions for energy management.

The company’s mission statement is: “We build the digital infrastructure for the energy transition”, which naturally encompasses the transition from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles to electrification. gridX’s XENON is the company’s solution, introduced in 2020, and is a platform that allows businesses to connect, monitor, and control their distributed energy resources (DER)—including wallboxes, batteries, inverters, and renewable energy infrastructure— to ensure that drivers receive consistent, sustainable energy.

Organisations are encouraged by the platform’s ‘bank-level’ security standards and industryleading reliability, compatible with devices and services from any OEM.

industrial use not only to save businesses money, but also to mitigate the need for firms to replace and, in the worst case, completely swap out their machines in the near future.

“Our grids were mostly designed decades ago. Therefore, they were not designed for the high electricity demands we see today, especially from e-mobility. As a result, limited grid connection points often act as a bottleneck for the installation of new charging infrastructure,” explains de la Gournerie.

“By intelligently shifting loads to enable more charging points on existing infrastructure— without the risk of overloads—dynamic load management removes such bottlenecks. A smart energy system is also much more adaptable to changing requirements, meaning new features such as dynamic tariffs or visual power plants can easily be implemented.”

As emphasised by de la Gournerie, the industry is shifting focus fast. As such, downtime of assets will quickly become a disadvantage to businesses. But, with real-time insights into charger status and the flexibility to manage their tariffs to suit, firms can stay ahead of the curve as the switch takes place.

As the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is set to be abolished by 2030, the ramp up in charging infrastructure is inevitable—and all businesses operating from premises will be able to play their part facilitating the switch. The beauty of e-mobility is that it can be uniquely tailored to the needs of each business, which allows them to reduce costs, integrate seamlessly with their assets, and meet consumers’ needs.

“Gaining insights into the real-time and future demands of assets—from photovoltaic systems, to batteries, to charging points—allows better balancing of energy production and consumption, self-sufficiency maximisation, reduction in energy demand, and optimal utilisation of charging points,” de la Gournerie says.

“Only by taking increasingly complex requirements into account through smart, holistic energy management can EV charging become more sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient.”

SUSTAINABLE COMMERCE REVOLVES AROUND ELECTRIFICATION

There are multiple ways to exchange fossil fuels for sustainable power solutions.

Despite this, the question isn’t about which one of these sustainable solutions works best, but more along the lines of how vehicles can become as sustainable as possible. This is particularly important when looking at logistics, which includes supplying vehicles that withstand high-intensity useage throughout their lifecycles, while ensuring no harm to the environment in their making and operation.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to electrification globally, but industries must determine the best solutions for their operations. In the logistics sectors, companies are also reluctant to make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) due to a few factors, including range, cost, and sustainable credentials.

Medium- and heavy-duty EV maker Tevva presents a solution to range that, happily, doesn’t compromise on emissions, while also making sustainable transport open to more customers. Questioning the company’s Founder and CEO, Asher Bennett, on the viability of electrification for the industry, reveals that, for medium-duty vehicles, it's going to happen one way or another.

“The electrification of medium-duty trucks is inevitable, charging infrastructure is a key

part of the transition away from diesel,” says Bennett.

“Clearly, public infrastructure has a long way to go—though there are positive signs amid the considerable investments being made by governments around the world to accelerate the roll out of charging infrastructure.”

TEVVA: MASTERING MEDIUM-DUTY TRUC KING RANGE

The Tevva truck is an electrified 7.5-tonne truck with the capacity for 15 euro pallets and a range that can be extended using a hydrogen fuel-cell extension. When comparing the two, the truck is made suitable for various applications with different charging times and costs.

The general approach to electrification involves one of two methods, but Tevva’s unique approach leverages all it can to make fleets more sustainable

The approach that Tevva takes to achieve a widespread use of more sustainable vehicles seems to involve leveraging legacy infrastructure during the period in which new, smart charging solutions are catching up to the demand of EVs.

“Tevva has designed its electric trucks so they can be recharged at a three-pin plug socket, the same as a smartphone. Not having to rely on high-speed charging infrastructure helps with early adoption and gives us comfort that charging infrastructure is ready for our trucks,” says Bennett.

The stunned looks on the faces of charging providers won’t be there long when they discover a critical piece of information: hydrogen. An added bonus offered by the company is the hydrogen system installation for those customers needing the extra mileage to help business run smoothly.

“THERE’S A HUGE APPETITE FOR ELECTRIC TRUCKS”

Much to the company’s delight, the response to electrification has been “huge”.

The desire to shift makes Tevva’s work that much more worthwhile, particularly when testing and validating the reinvented version of supply chain transport.

“WE’RE EXPLORING SOME INTERESTING ADAS APPLICATIONS AND BELIEVE WE CAN DELIVER OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES FOR OUR CUSTOMERS, IN A COST-EFFECTIVE WAY, IN THE SHORT-TOMEDIUM TERM”

ASHE R BENNETT, FOUNDER & CEO, TEVVA

“TEVVA IS LOOKING TO SCALE UP CUSTOMER SALES OF ITS 7.5-TONNE BATTERYELECTRIC TRUCK FROM EARLY 2023— FIRST ACROSS THE UK, THEN EUROPE”

ASHE R BENNETT, FOUNDER & CEO, TEVVA

“Tevva is looking to scale up customer sales of its 7.5-tonne battery-electric truck from early 2023—first across the UK, then Europe. The truck will be followed by a hydrogenelectric version, which benefits from a hydrogen range-extender that enhances range from 180 km to over 400 km,” says Bennett.

This extended version of electric trucks caters to those with a thirst for change or, as Bennett refers to it, “a huge appetite among fleet operators for electric trucks, as the opportunity to reduce emissions makes good business sense”.

Organisations are therefore coming round to the idea that technology is their friend and alternative transportation methods are critical for meeting climate goals. The varying factor for logistics firms is cost and whether manufacturers of electric trucks can meet their requirements—or even save them money.

From a sustainability perspective, technology is enabling great strides to be taken as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) improve the energy usage of vehicles, as well as their safety credentials and the driver’s trucking experience.

“We’re exploring some interesting ADAS applications and believe we can deliver operational efficiencies for our customers, in a cost-effective way, in the short-tomedium term,” says Bennett.

“Autonomous technologies, like EV technologies, must make economic sense if they are to become mainstream—and this is a key focus at Tevva.”

SKY PRESENTS NO LIMIT FOR EV ONLY OPPORTUNITY

EV FLIGHT, EV FLIGHT, EV FLIGHT, EV FLIGHT,

FEATURED VEHICLE: VX4

Flying taxis are coming and consumers are warming to the idea, but how will transport transition from fossil-fuel power to electrified solutions?

With the demand for sustainable yet efficient transportation solutions continuing to grow, the aviation industry is undergoing a major shift from traditional aeroplanes to electric, digital flight technology.

For example, the introduction of aircraft with electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) capabilities—using electric motors to take off and land vertically—is increasing, making them ideal for use in urban environments and other situations where space is limited.

eVTOL aircraft offer a number of benefits for businesses involved in regional transport and logistics; for starters, they are much more energy-efficient than traditional aeroplanes. This means that eVTOL aircraft have a significantly smaller carbon footprint, making them a more sustainable option for businesses that are looking to reduce their environmental impact.

In addition to their environmental benefits, eVTOL aircraft are also faster and more convenient than traditional forms of transportation: they can take off and land vertically, meaning that eVTOL aircraft don’t require the long runways and large airports that traditional aeroplanes do. This means that eVTOL aircraft can operate from a wider range of locations—including smaller airports and even rooftops in urban areas—to mimic

the service provided by conventional taxis as well as app-based solutions like Uber and Lyft.

Global management consulting firm McKinsey presents a study on the acceptance of eVTOLs as a solution for urban mobility. A survey carried out by the company suggests that around 15% to 20% of respondents say they can imagine switching to an eVTOL solution as ‘flying taxis’ evolve.

“It is feasible, and we are making it a reality. eVTOL technology will completely change the way people travel and not only challenge short-haul air travel, but completely revolutionise point-topoint transport,” says Michael Cervenka, President of Vertical Aerospace.

“WE ARE CO-DEVELOPING OUR ELECTRIC PROPULSION UNIT WITH ROLLS-ROYCE, WHOSE ENGINES HAVE POWERED MORE THAN 100 MILLION FLYING HOURS”

MICHAEL CERVENKA, PRESIDENT, VERTICAL AEROSPACE

ARE CONFIDENT THAT ELECTRIC AVIATION WILL BECOME MAINSTREAM IN THE COMING YEARS”

MICHAEL CERVENKA, PRESIDENT, VERTICAL AEROSPACE

EVTOLS MOVE PEOPLE AND GOODS

Founded in 2016 by Stephen Fitzpatrick—also founder of OVO Energy—Vertical Aerospace is the innovator behind the most advanced eVTOL in the world and is committed to revolutionising the way electrified transport is used.

Having spoken to the company about its eVTOL, the VX4, we noted how this could be applied to both passenger transportation and the provision of commercial operations, too.

Regional Transport

“The VX4 will be ideal for regional transport. Let’s take Cambridge, for example: it’s the heart of Britain’s high-technology industry, home to world-beating software and bioscience companies. The area has significant long-haul travel demand that Heathrow serves. Travel between Cambridge and Heathrow can be slow and unpredictable, often taking over 1.5 hours in a car. The same journey in the VX4 is expected to cut the journey time by 75%.”

Vertical Aerospace is a pioneering organisation offering a new perspective on the transportation of people and products from A to B, and back again.

Having agreed provision to major organisations, including Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Avolon, and Japan Airlines, Vertical Aerospace is making its name as a critical enabler of electrification in the aviation industry. Much of its success is a result of technology and its ability to utilise it for commercial advantage.

International Transport

“eVTOL is a new technology, and years of work has gone into building our prototype. However, as we have seen with most frontier technologies, they can and do advance rapidly, so there is, of course, great potential for international transport.

“At present, eVTOLs will work to complement and enhance the existing international transport network by enabling an efficient, cost-effective and zero-emission alternative for journeys from transport hubs, such as airports. We expect eVTOLs will ease airports’ ground access congestion, enabling a fast, reliable connection to and from metropolitan locations.”

Commercial Logistics

“Not only does the VX4 have proven demand in the passenger transportation markets, but also within logistics.

“Vertical and Babcock have set up a joint group to explore how to use the VX4 in new applications such as cargo transportation, as well as Emergency Medical Services. The VX4 has the potential to transform these types of operations and reduce their carbon impact at a lower overall cost.”

“WE

“Technology plays a huge role in ensuring confidence in our electric systems. We have deliberately chosen a differentiated approach to our peers in the development of our aircraft: partnering with some of the most credible industry and technology platers, including Rolls-Royce, Honeywell, GKN, and Leonardo,” says Cervenka.

This collaborative operation model is one that will allow the company, and many others, to succeed confidently as individuals. Meanwhile, businesses will gain more confidence in technology’s ability to perform in the wake of some high-level electrified aviation challenges.

Electrification serves many facets of industry

Another advantage of eVTOL aircraft is their versatility. They can take off and land

vertically, so eVTOL aircraft aren’t restricted to traditional runway-based airports, thus can be used for a wide range of applications that includes emergency medical services and military operations.

“TECHNOLOGY PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN ENSURING CONFIDENCE IN OUR ELECTRIC SYSTEMS”

MICHAEL CERVENKA, PRESIDENT, VERTICAL AEROSPACE

“We are co-developing our electric propulsion unit with Rolls-Royce, whose engines have powered more than 100 million flying hours. Similarly, with Honeywell, we are leveraging their 100 years of experience in the development of avionics systems, such as those developed for the F-35 VTOL fighter jet.”

eVTOL aircraft are being developed with advanced digital technologies, such as AI and autonomous capabilities, enabling them to operate more efficiently and safely, making them even more attractive for use in regional transport and logistics. For example, automation technology can help to reduce the workload of pilots, allowing them to focus on other tasks and improving safety.

Through the use of eVTOL aircraft, businesses and other organisations’ eyes will be open to new opportunities, in terms of the development and manufacturing of electric propulsion systems, as well as other eVTOL-related technologies.

“We are confident that electric aviation will become mainstream in the coming years. This is also supported by the fact that there’s clear confidence in the longterm potential of the eVTOL market,” says Cervenka. “Morgan Stanley’s latest report on eVTOLs and Urban Air Mobility states that it is currently projected to grow to a total addressable market value of US$1tn by 2040.”

AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY INNOVATORS YOU DIDN’T KNOW

AUTONOMOUS DELIVERY INNOVATORS DIDN’T ABOUT

#10

ROBOMART

This innovative solution is a shop on wheels, and it comes directly to your location. The team is working on a solution that takes concepts from ride-hailing and autonomous delivery and puts them together.

This results in the Robomart, which will provide the app’s user with on-demand products, while catering to indecisive customers who wish to browse streetside.

Clevon’s futuristic design is not a new sight in the logistics industry. The company has been developing electric bots for delivery for some years, which shows great potential for widespread, door-to-door grocery delivery, and other applications in the commercial environment.

#8 BOXBOT

Having secured investment from big names, including the automotive giant Toyota, BoxBot is a significantly larger robotic delivery innovation. The bot comes from autonomous roots as the company specialises in parcel logistics and using robotics to automate the postal chain.

#7 TELERETAIL

The autonomous delivery robot from TeleRetail is already in testing with one of the users, Thyssenkrupp, as it assesses the feasibility of the product. The company has also built a Coca-Cola branded robot called Pulse 1 for street delivery services.

The intuitive design of the TeleRetail delivery robot showcases the achievements that can be made with a smaller-footprint autonomous design. We can definitely envision its bobsleigh-style design roaming the streets in years to come.

#6 ELIPORT

TESLA

Eliport is a company that supplies delivery robots to businesses and organisations. The company's robots are designed to be efficient and reliable, and are capable of handling a wide range of delivery tasks. Eliport's robots are used by a variety of customers, including hospitals, schools and retail businesses. The company is known for its commitment to providing innovative and cost-effective solutions to its customers.

#5 ROBBY TECHNOLOGIES

Robby Technologies is a leading technology company that specialises in the development of cutting-edge robotics and AI solutions. The company was founded by a team of experienced engineers and researchers who are passionate about creating innovative products that improve people's lives. Robby Technologies has quickly become known for its high-quality products and excellent customer service, and it continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with robotics and AI.

AMAZON SCOUT

Amazon Scout is a small, autonomous delivery robot that can take care of the last-mile delivery process. The robot navigates sidewalks and uses sensors to avoid obstacles and pedestrians. Amazon has been testing Scout in select neighbourhoods in the United States. The company plans to expand the use of the robot for package delivery in the future.

RIVIAN #3 STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES

Starship Technologies' autonomous delivery robot is a reliable, cost-effective solution for businesses looking to streamline their delivery processes. With a sleek, compact design, the robot can navigate sidewalks and other pedestrian areas with ease, delivering packages and other items directly to customers' doors. Its advanced technology and robust security features make it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.

The robot is linked to a dedicated app that allows the user to leverage their nimble abilities in food collection and delivery.

#2

The 3rd generation Nuro autonomous delivery robot is a small, electrified robot, designed by the American robotics company for lastmile delivery of goods. It uses advanced sensors and algorithms to navigate roads and sidewalks, avoiding obstacles and pedestrians along the way. The robot has a customisable cargo compartment and is designed to be efficient and environmentally friendly. Nuro plans to deploy the 3rd generation delivery bot in various markets in the coming years.

AMAZON PRIME AIR

Of course, the company pioneering a bold, powerful, and efficient electric HGV is Tesla. In 2022, the company released the Tesla Semi with a 500-mile range and charging speed of 400 miles in 30 minutes.

The long-awaited Semi was subject to similar issues faced by automakers as supply chain disruptions hindered the production progress. Nevertheless, as one of the original players in the EV game, Tesla expects to dominate the market through unwavering commitment and a final product performance that rivals the ICE industry.

TCS DRIVES E-MOBILITY THROUGH FUTURE - READY ECOSYSTEMS

WRITTEN BY: TOM SWALLOW

PRODUCED BY: TOM LIVERMORE

Laksh Parthasarathy, Global Business Head - Smart Mobility Group at Tata Consultancy Services, enables firms and consumers to move into the mobility ecosystem

To navigate as significant a change as e-mobility requires ingenuity, perseverance and collaboration among all parties involved. As with any innovation, partners are crucial for achieving great things, but electrification is a digital revolution and organisations must leverage new and existing expertise to comply with climate change targets and to fully maximise the opportunities arising in the marketplace.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly at the centre of digital ecosystems, with technology as the primary change factor and differentiator between businesses. “But, with the slew of new EVs in the market and the increased adoption of EVs, especially within the context of CASE in the mobility ecosystem, there is an accelerated pace of change, a reshaping of conventional industry boundaries,” says Laksh Parthasarathy, Global Business Head of the Smart Mobility Group at Tata Consultancy Services.

When Parthasarathy says ‘CASE’, he means ‘Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electrified’ solutions and how these services are leveraged by EVs to drive sustainability, efficiency and innovation.

Having seen the shift taking place around him, Parthasarathy explains that the switch of drivetrain from internal combustion engines (ICEs) to electric is opening up digital opportunities. As demonstrated in the EVs on the market today, digital technology enables advancement in safety—through artificial intelligence (AI), energy efficiency, and integration with homes to manage electricity and the digitalisation of vehicle maintenance procedures.

Driving digital and sustainable progress in automotive solutions

AWS utilises transformative digital technologies to accelerate the automotive industry’s development whilst striving for sustainable practices. Customers bring advanced and differentiated products and services to market faster and more cost effectively through AWS.

AWS (Amazon Web Services) is the world’s most broadly adopted cloud platform, offering over 200 fully-featured services from data centres. Ajit Kolhe is the World Wide Partner Lead for Automotive.

“I’m responsible for working with Partners to build and scale market differentiating solutions to solve customers’ unique business challenges,” Kolhe explains. “Our automotive customers consist of four sub-industries within AWS: original equipment manufacturers; tier one suppliers; AutoTech/startups; and auto dealers. These include customers such as Toyota, Continental, Uber, MOIA, and Cox Automotive.”

Automotive industry solutions

AWS’ partnership with TCS dates back to 2009. “It’s been a great journey – TCS is a strategic global system integrator and premier consulting partner in AWS’ partner network.”

Together, AWS and TCS have been focused on migrating critical workloads and transforming IT, with the two having had over 700 customer engagements.

& automotive solutions

“AWS has evolved the cloud adoption framework, placing emphasis on business outcomes which aligns with TCS’ strategy,” says Kolhe.

Over the last two years, the team has built several solutions applicable in the automotive industry, including TCS Autoscape™ which covers autonomous vehicles, ADAS scenarios, connected vehicle solutions, software defined vehicles and TCS Clever Energy™ for sustainability. AWS contributes to innovation with TCS and has a roadmap of seven TCS solutions that will help to solve customers’ business imperatives.

According to Kolhe, the success of such a partnership can be characterised as an alignment around customer obsession, thinking big and mutual trust.

“We have both earned trust in our relationships and have alignment across both organisations which spans across the customer engagements,” says Kolhe.

Ajit Kolhe is the World Wide Partner Lead for Automotive at AWS. He works with Partners to build and scale market differentiating solutions to solve customers’ unique business challenges.

Ajit Kolhe from AWS on sustainability

“A classic illustration of how EVs have forced the development of digital-led ecosystems is in the way they are powered. Conventional fuelling did not have an organic need for digital systems. Charging networks and management, on the other hand, have been fundamentally based on digital operating models. Data from EVs and EV battery management systems, and its efficient utilisation, is more critical to the long-term adoption and viability of EVs, compared to their ICE predecessors,” says Parthasarathy.

As the digital ecosystem evolves, technology and automation enable more possibilities for charging solutions in the urban environment that defy the conventional format of designated fuelling areas. While it is critical to supply such services, drivers and businesses also have the flexibility to choose other options, such as charging at a restaurant, at home, at work, or in the car park at a shopping centre.

According to Parthasarathy, the digital ecosystem also enables a smoother transition from internal combustion ehicles (ICVs), which follow a traditional power format.

“For example, one of the biggest concerns is around range anxiety and the need to provide, in real-time, the accurate range left on the vehicle. And with the entry of non-traditional players into the charging ecosystem, we now have access to chargers at restaurants, grocery stores, hotels etc, where one can seamlessly reserve and charge their vehicles, unlike the gas-stationsonly option to fill ICVs,” Parthasarathy says.

“This opens a whole new digital ecosystem to enable customers to find charging stations, reserve them and complete the entire commercial transaction around it.”

Industries that were not previously associated with mobility are cross-pollinating and electrification is providing them with commercial opportunities to leverage charging as a competitive advantage, which also supports the shift away from fossil fuels.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION EMPOWERS E-MOBILITY

When looking at how digital technology serves consumers today, it’s important to understand their current interactions. Before exploring how technology can be leveraged to meet the needs of an evolving industry, leaders first need to be aware of the ‘social customer’, which Parthasarathy explains is a term coined to represent how users respond to a product or service.

These days, technologies are intertwined with social media as an integral part of consumers, whereby they are likely to turn to

“KEEPING THE FOCUS ON THE BIG PICTURE AND ENSURING WE TAKE THE RIGHT STEPS IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF MY MIND—A CHALLENGE THAT I THOROUGHLY ENJOY”

LAKSH PARTHASARATHY GLOBAL BUSINESS HEADSMART MOBILITY GROUP, TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES

EXECUTIVE BIO

LAKSH PARTHASARATHY

TITLE: GLOBAL BUSINESS

HEAD - SMART MOBILITY GROUP

INDUSTRY: CONSULTING

LOCATION: UNITED STATES

Laksh is the Global Business Head for Smart Mobility and EV Ecosystem at TCS focusing on the cross-industry trends impacting the mobility ecosystem. With over 25 years of global experience in the automotive mobility industry, Laksh focuses on driving TCS solutions for the Automotive CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electric), Mobility, EV Ecosystem, battery value chain, and multi-modal mobility domains, to address the major challenges faced by the industry. His primary areas of interest are to help accelerate adoption of safe autonomy solutions, EVs in all sizes, sustainable electrification and drive hyper-personalised customer experience journeys towards the renewable energy future.

CASE:

CONNECTED, AUTONOMOUS, SHARED, ELECTRIFIED AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

CASE as a construct in e-mobility or Smart Mobility refers to all of the capabilities that are currently used to bring cars and other transport solutions into the digital ecosystem. Breaking down each one helps to gain a comprehensive view of the overall applications of technology within EVs:

Connected: Also referring to ‘connectivity’, this involves any technology that enables bi-directional communication between devices or systems, including the vehicle itself.

Autonomous: Refers to the technology that allows a vehicle to be operated at various levels of independence from a human driver.

Shared:

As ridesharing services become more prominent, this refers to the technology and ecosystem used to enable EVs and ICVs to be shared and driven as a service, as opposed to a product for a single user.

Electric:

This refers to everything EV-related, including battery technology, the sustainable business model, and cost-efficiency gains.

services like Twitter to air their grievances, as opposed to their service providers directly. Automotive firms are able to leverage this knowledge to tailor their products and services to match the trends among consumers and take a similar approach to businesses by marketing their products and services online.

This puts CASE beyond the automotive industry and demonstrates how the digital ecosystem pulls industries together to integrate their services for a more farreaching and intuitive customer experience.

“CASE automotive, as a construct, is very congruent with the ‘social customer’ archetype. For starters, we see a common narrative whereby the vehicle is an extended living space, offering customers in-vehicle commerce, retail recommendations,

in-vehicle delivery and so on,” says Parthasarathy.

“While some parts of this might look surprising, given that automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have never been in the business of selling coffee or sandwiches, it fits well with a customer who prefers to have connected services. Similarly, the sustainability narratives that are accelerating the adoption of EVs and safer autonomy are fuelled by a more informed and aware customer, seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.”

The focus has turned towards customer experience and how they interact with their car or any mobility-as-a-service asset. Digital transformation done right means automotive firms implement CASE to tailor or personalise their product and services to

every consumer. A great example of tailoring is through driver profile and key recognition. Particularly in mid- to high-range cars, the car is able to set the driving position configuration and conditions based on the key that is used.

“As organisations realise the importance of seeing every customer as unique, automotive OEMs have begun their foray into areas outside of their core business model,” says Parthasarathy.

“For example, they provide parking, charging, and toll payment services. Almost all the major personal mobility OEMs have also partnered with retail service providers or aggregators to provide connected vehicle commerce offerings, so that they are present across a whole new spectrum of services.”

“They are making sizeable investments into improving the mobility experience through feature upgrades of the vehicle made over-the-air (OTA), and on demand.”

While it is great to celebrate how organisations are meeting the needs of their customers, electrification continues to present more capabilities for businesses and, more importantly, the planet. Therefore, they must always remain one step ahead of the trends, in order to remain relevant in a fastchanging industry.

“I believe the cardinal rule for customer engagement is to prioritise their imperatives,” says Parthasarathy.

“This might imply that OEMs have to pre-empt shifts in mobility consumption patterns, to continue to be the service provider of choice for customers’ mobility needs. OEMs cannot afford to be absent in this ecosystem that not only offers tremendous scope for revenue, but also enables a richer and more hightouch engagement opportunity with existing and prospective customers.”

This reverts back to the point of tailoring to the customer’s needs, which automotive OEMs can achieve by integrating their services in a multi-dimensional network fashion as opposed to a linear model. A great example is usage-based insurance models, which require manufacturers to work with insurance companies—factoring in technology requirements—to provide services like pay-per-mile or base drivers’ premiums on their performance.

Parthasarathy also delves into some of the other solutions that could arise from CASE automotive, including providing connected health services to a customer by working in an ecosystem connecting healthcare providers, retail drug stores, and emergency service providers, synced to customer health data.

“Traditional OEMs are also responding to the needs of the modern automotive customer. In some cases, playing catch up with the customer-experience-focused industry leaders. In other areas, they’re trying to transform their organisations and generate new revenue streams.”

Servitisation is also becoming a response to digitisation and consumer experience capabilities, but it has received negative attention in the past.

“This has created a lot of negative publicity in social media as customers are willing to pay to use a service that is seen as leading edge or innovative (such as Tesla’s selfdriving software) but not for items that were previously bundled with most vehicle trims,” Parthasarathy explains.

He also sees concerted activity and monetisation strategies being built to leverage the value of connected data.

“ORGANISATIONS REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF MOVING TO AN N=1 CUSTOMER PARADIGM”

LAKSH PARTHASARATHY GLOBAL BUSINESS HEAD - SMART MOBILITY GROUP, TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES

TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES

SMART MOBILITY AT TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Connected Ecosystem:

In the connected mobility space, TCS’ product and services strategy is built on the imperatives of seamless personalised mobility experiences for mobility customers and monetisable business models for mobility players. This includes:

• TCS AutoscapeTM Customer Experience Solution: A connected vehicle platform with end-to-end capabilities for an enhanced mobility experience

Autonomy:

In the autonomy space, TCS’ solutions and services address the fundamental data management and software validation needs of its customers. Given the sheer volume of cameras and lidar data that needs to be curated and managed when it comes to autonomy capability, for example, TCS has launched a suite of solutions namely TCS AutoscapeTM Data Services, Data Annotation Studio and Smart Validation solutions to help customers address this complexity and ensure safe autonomy.

1. Data as a lever to optimise costs: This has to do with connected data from vehicles being used to improve existing processes and systems to reduce costs. For example, realtime vehicular data can be used for managing the inventory of spare parts in service centres to ensure that vehicles spend minimum time off road, while also reducing inventory holding costs.

2. Data as an enabler to create revenue propositions: Mobility players are betting big on creating value from services curated on connected data. It is estimated the value of connected services will reach US$20bn in this decade. While this is not yet an entrenched business model, monetisable subscription models built on these connected services are quickly becoming a reality, whether it be through OTA upgrades, usage-based insurance, fleet management systems, or in-vehicle commerce. The ongoing success of this model will rest on the mobility players’ capabilities to build perceptible value through personalised and contextual services, so that customers are willing to pay for it.

3. Data as a tradeable commodity: Data marketplaces are not a new concept. OEMs have been partnering with tech players for data sharing, much like conventional data marketplaces in other industries like finance and retail, in revenue sharing models. However, the challenge with this model is the ever-intensifying regulatory environment around the handling of customer data and the need to preserve the trust of customers when using their information. While there are consent management systems in place to ensure that the rights of their customer are protected, it is uncertain whether OEMs would rely on this model to generate substantial revenues.

He sees a fourth perspective that will emerge to become a data monetisation proposition with substantially greater impact. It has to do with data being used as an enabler for partner enabled business models.

Any model built on data is only as good as the variables it captures. One reason why some players have not been able to monetise the data they capture from vehicles is because it covers only parts of the customer journey. This is where the ecosystems come into play.

If a company offers connected vehicle commerce to a customer as a service offering, it needs to be part of their entire retail journey, something auto OEMs are conventionally not part of. We now see business models that use data from different customer journeys in a partner driven ecosystem to generate monetisation opportunities.

HARMONIOUS DELIVERY OF SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY

Moving forward in the electrification process, companies can benefit from TCS’ solutions for myriad reasons, including data monetisation, creating revenue propositions

“OEMS MAY HAVE TO PRE-EMPT SHIFTS IN MOBILITY CONSUMPTION PATTERNS TO CONTINUE TO BE THE SERVICE PROVIDER OF CHOICE FOR THE CUSTOMERS”

LAKSH

PARTHASARATHY GLOBAL BUSINESS HEAD - SMART MOBILITY GROUP, TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES

from data sources, using data insights—such as recommendation services—to reduce costs, and optimising the overall e-mobility experience from a sustainability perspective.

TCS offers e-mobility and EV battery sustainability solutions, which enable organisations to gain visibility over their entire EV value chains to assess their performance and sustainability goals down the line. From a battery perspective, this comes in the form of a digital battery passport, which gives traceability across the battery value chain, chain of custody and ensures net-zero heritage as well as solutions to manage battery second life or end of life processes.

Digital solutions will enable businesses to move forward and deliver more intuitive responses to business changes, which is assisted by Amazon Web Services (AWS), as the firm’s strategic cloud provision partner.

Having been a partner for well over a decade, TCS is the strategic global systems integrator (GSI) and premier consulting partner of AWS, with more than 700 customer engagements between the two firms. The company also achieved accreditations across 18 AWS Competencies. TCS has more than 12,500 AWS certified professionals and 30,000 employees on AWS. The company has several partnership credentials and awards from AWS that recognise TCS as a top global system integrator for AWS technologies—putting TCS among the top 10 biggest global system integrators for AWS.

Our joint focus on tailormade industryspecific business solutions like TCS AutoscapeTM built on AWS, and powered by the latest technologies such as AI/ML, IoT and blockchain, are helping industries across the globe. In addition, we are jointly investing in our product portfolio in areas

EV ADOPTION

EV adoption requires a robust charging infrastructure. TCS solutions integrate charging with bi-directional charging capabilities into the power management ecosystem to offset demand charges, respond to demand events, optimise charging from a holistic energy orchestration, and perform energy arbitrage. This holistic approach allows fleet owners to mitigate risks associated with reliance on the local electric utility for energy.

like quantum computing, the metaverse, blockchain, 5G, cloud sustainability, AI/ ML, IoT/Edge, data and analytics, and data sovereignty.

“We are working very closely with AWS. It’s not just about using AWS as a cloud provider for our solutions. The solutions and capabilities that I spoke about earlier have been built in close partnership with AWS, encompassing the best of cloud capabilities for our customers,” says Parthasarathy.

The specialised teams within the TCS’ AWS Business Unit helps customers accelerate and automate the different stages of their cloud journey using TCS’ extensive library of frameworks, accelerators and toolsets such as TCS Cloudonomy™, which enables clients to discover the most workable and custommade solutions applicable for their business while predicting future needs. TCS uses its proven transformation tools, such as TCS Modernisation Propeller™ with its extensive library of predefined industry-specific microservices and API, to enable customers to benefit from ecosystem wide impact.

“FROM A TECHNOLOGY PARTNER

STANDPOINT, WE ARE PARTICULARLY WORKING VERY CLOSELY WITH AWS. IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT USING AWS AS A CLOUD PROVIDER FOR OUR SOLUTIONS BUT A STRATEGIC PARTNER JOINTLY SOLVING FUNDAMENTAL INDUSTRY PROBLEMS”

LAKSH PARTHASARATHY

GLOBAL BUSINESS HEAD - SMART MOBILITY GROUP, TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES

TCS has built Cloud Value Measurement Model (CVMM), based on TCS and AWS best practice frameworks, to measure customers’ cloud transformation journeys.

Over the next year and beyond, TCS will continue to analyse the e-mobility trends and provide the necessary digital transformation expertise to allow companies to leverage the automotive evolution to EVs.

TCS will also continue its collaboration in partnership with the Formula E team, Jaguar TCS Racing. Using digital technology, software, and leveraging the power of the cloud, TCS helps the team collect podiums and win races. Furthermore, TCS and Jaguar use Formula E as a real-world test bed for the automotive electrification journey. Learnings from the racetrack can be leveraged to transform the entire electric vehicle ecosystem.

From a sustainability perspective— besides the inevitable shift to EVs and other electrified transport—CASE can be applied to sustainability outcomes as it supports the reduction of lifetime Greenhouse Gas (GHG) footprint by about 37% for passenger vehicles.

Enabling vehicles to connect more means authorities, such as traffic operators, can optimise mobility. This is another selling point for consumers but still requires more innovation to provide personalised customer experience. Vehicle-to-everything technology also provides social benefits from a sustainability point of view, but predictive maintenance and OTA updates must also be adopted to ensure that solutions work in harmony together.