Gurugram-based auto parts supplier Uno Minda is gearing up to set up a new facility dedicated to producing electric vehicle (EV) components for the Indian market. The company, a key provider of switches, lights, and other vehicle parts, has seen rising demand for locally produced high-voltage EV components such as electric drive units (EDUs), chargers, and battery management systems (BMSs) from various passenger vehicle (PV) manufacturers.
In response to this, Uno Minda signed a technical licensing agreement with China’s Suzhou Inovance Automotive in June 2024 to bring these technologies to India. Nirmal K Minda, Chairman and MD of Uno Minda Group, noted that while Indian PV and commercial vehicle manufacturers were not initially focused on localising EV parts, the company has started receiving requests from multiple original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). “We are now in talks with various OEMs and plan to establish a greenfield facility for these components,” Minda said.
The company had already opened two plants in Haryana last year for manufacturing EV parts for two-wheelers under joint ventures with Germany’s Friwo and Buehler Motor. However, the location for the new facility for electric PV components is yet to be decided and will depend on incoming orders and letters of intent from clients.
Optimistic About India’s EV Growth
Despite a global slowdown in EV sales, Uno Minda remains optimistic about the future of electric vehicles in India. Minda emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges of reducing fossil fuel use and promoting environmental sustainability in the country. “We are heavily investing in EV technology, confident in its long-term potential, despite short-term challenges,” he added.
The company has already launched greenfield projects for producing e-motors, controllers, and chargers for electric two-wheelers. The collaboration with Inovance now positions Uno Minda to expand its offerings to electric passenger and commercial vehicles as well.
With India’s electric two-wheeler market set to reach a million sales for the first time this year, Uno Minda has been experiencing strong demand from manufacturers like TVS Motor Company, Bajaj Auto, and Hero MotoCorp. However, supply constraints for two-wheeler chargers have emerged due to increasing orders.
Expanding into Hybrid and Hydrogen Technologies
In addition to EV components, Uno Minda supplies localized CNG parts and integrated CNG kits through its joint venture Minda Westport Technologies. As demand for alternative fuel solutions rises, the company is now exploring opportunities in hydrogen fuel systems for commercial vehicles. Minda revealed that they have begun discussions with OEMs regarding hydrogen powertrain solutions.
The company is also looking to enter the hybrid powertrain market. Through its technical alliance with Inovance, Uno Minda has the capability to offer hybrid technologies and has started talks with PV manufacturers about providing hybrid solutions for their upcoming models. However, the company has not yet disclosed which automakers are involved in these discussions.
