chairman N. Chandrasekaran on Friday told shareholders that the company is accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, even as it closely monitors supply chain and geopolitical risks that could affect growth.Speaking at the company’s 80th annual general meeting, Chandrasekaran said, “We expect to reach 30% EV penetration well before 2030. We already have a strong portfolio—with
Nexon EV, Punch EV, Tiago and Tigor—and we have several more models in the pipeline.” EVs accounted for 15% of Tata Motors' passenger vehicle sales in the last fiscal year.
While the auto maker continues to lead India’s EV market with a more than 50% share, it has fallen from 79% two years ago, as rivals such as Mahindra & Mahindra,
Hyundai Motor India, and MG Motor India step up their offerings.
“Yes, competition has increased, but we remain fully committed and have a strong runway,” Chandrasekaran said, without elaborating.
He also addressed concerns around sourcing rare earth magnets used in EVs amid prevailing trade tensions globally. “We are not facing any issues. We are able to source the magnets we need and have the right level of inventory,” he said. “We’re also working with the government on alternative resources. This is something we are watching very carefully.”
On the proposed increase in US tariffs on UK-manufactured cars, which would impact unit
Jaguar Land Rover, Chandrasekaran said, “If the tariffs had gone to 27.5%, the impact would have been £1.6 billion. With the
UK-US trade deal, that’s coming down to 10%, and JLR’s mitigation steps will reduce the impact to around £600 million.”He confirmed Tata Motors' participation in the government’s EV bus programmes through its dedicated mobility business, and said the auto maker is also testing 12
hydrogen buses and trucks. However, he cautioned, “The cost of production and operations for hydrogen is still very high. This won’t scale in the near term.”Chandrasekaran reaffirmed that the demerger of Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle businesses remains on track, with both units expected to list separately in the December quarter. “All three businesses have strong balance sheets and cash flows. There is no need for large-scale debt unless a strategic opportunity arises,” he said.
