Sona Comstar's Vivek Vikram Singh: Building Entire EV Stack in India
In a significant push towards self-reliance in electric mobility, Sona Comstar's Vivek Vikram Singh has articulated a clear vision: "We want to build the entire EV stack in India." This statement, reported by ET Auto, underscores the company's ambition to localize the production of critical electric vehicle components, from motors and controllers to complete drivetrain systems. The move aligns with the Indian government's broader 'Make in India' initiative and aims to reduce the country's dependence on imported EV parts, which currently form a substantial portion of the supply chain.
The Indian EV market has been growing rapidly, with sales of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers surging in recent years. According to industry data, the penetration of electric vehicles in the two-wheeler segment is expected to reach 15% by 2025, up from around 2% in 2020. This growth has created a pressing need for domestic manufacturing capabilities. Sona Comstar, a leading supplier of automotive components, is positioning itself to fill this gap. The company already supplies motors and controllers to major EV manufacturers in India and abroad, and its new focus on the complete EV stack could significantly boost local value addition.
Building the entire EV stack involves several key components: battery packs, electric motors, power electronics, and thermal management systems. Sona Comstar has been investing heavily in research and development to master these technologies. The company's existing expertise in precision engineering and its global footprint give it a competitive edge. However, analysts note that the challenge lies in scaling up production while maintaining cost competitiveness against established global players like Bosch and Continental. The Indian government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the auto sector, which offers financial incentives of up to ₹18,000 crore, is expected to provide a much-needed boost.
| Component | Current Localization Level | Target Localization by 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery packs | 30% | 70% |
| Electric motors | 50% | 80% |
| Power electronics | 20% | 60% |
| Thermal management | 40% | 75% |
These targets, while ambitious, are not without precedent. Several Indian auto component makers have successfully ramped up local production in other segments, such as internal combustion engines, over the past two decades. The transition to EVs, however, requires a different set of skills and investments. Sona Comstar's strategy involves forging partnerships with global technology leaders and setting up dedicated manufacturing plants. The company has already announced plans to expand its facility in Chennai, which will focus on producing integrated electric axles and hub motors.
"We want to build the entire EV stack in India," said Vivek Vikram Singh, emphasizing the company's commitment to local manufacturing and innovation.
The broader industry response has been positive. Industry bodies like the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) have welcomed such initiatives, noting that they will help create a robust ecosystem for EVs. However, challenges remain, including the need for a stable policy framework, improved charging infrastructure, and skill development. The recent reduction in GST on EVs from 12% to 5% has already provided a fillip to sales, but sustained growth will require more such supportive measures.
For Sona Comstar, the move is also about future-proofing its business. As global automakers transition to electric, the demand for traditional transmission components is expected to decline. By diversifying into the EV stack, the company is hedging against this risk. Moreover, the export potential is significant—India could become a hub for EV components, serving markets in Europe and Southeast Asia. With the right execution, Sona Comstar's vision could not only transform its own fortunes but also contribute to India's goal of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. For now, the industry watches closely as the company takes its first steps towards this ambitious goal. To stay updated on this and other developments in the auto sector, visit Autoverse.