Tata Motors sees eventual split in platforms

Pune: Tata Motors sees an eventual split in the platforms for its conventional engine and electric passenger vehicles in order to make future products unique and remove the handicap of developing EVs on traditional platforms, according to its Global Head of Design, Martin Uhlarik. With electrification and connectivity fast gaining momentum, he also said interiors of cars of the future could become more “like a home” driven by minimalistic approach, as sophisticated customers seek material comfort, simplicity and ease of use. “We see an eventual splitting of ICE (internal combustion engine) and EV, which is simply driven by the platform. If EV has to carry over an ICE architecture, it will always be handicapped in terms of its full potential, in terms of range, in terms of battery layout,” Uhlarik told PTI. Converting EV on an ICE product platform, which has provisions such as the traditional transmission tunnel and firewall, has limitations, he added.