In an interview, Dr. Balaji Venkataraman, President, TVS Sensing Solutions, speaks with TimesTech about how the rapid adoption of electric mobility is transforming expectations from auto component manufacturers in India. He shares insights on advanced sensing, intelligent systems, IIoT-driven manufacturing, and R&D-led innovation that are enabling safer, more efficient and reliable EV and hybrid vehicles in a fast-evolving mobility landscape.
Read the full interview:
TimesTech: How is the rapid adoption of electric vehicles in India changing the expectations from auto component manufacturers, especially in areas like sensing, control and system reliability?
Balaji: India’s shift toward electric mobility is raising the bar for auto component manufacturers, demanding greater precision, intelligence and reliability in areas such as sensing, control and system performance. Driven by stringent emission regulations, advancements in battery technology and growing consumer demand for sustainable mobility, EVs and hybrids require components that are far more precise, intelligent, user friendly and dependable than those used in conventional vehicles.
At the same time, manufacturers are navigating a complex set of technical and market challenges. Today, components must deliver high precision, durability and thermal stability, even as multiple functions are integrated into smaller, more sophisticated sensor units, as seen in Hall Effect–based ABS wheel speed sensors that combine low jitter, high operating speeds and wide temperature capability to ensure accurate speed detection and reliable advanced braking performance in demanding EV operating conditions. Alongside these engineering demands, there is strong pressure to remain cost-competitive, manage supply chain constraints and rapidly scale production without compromising quality or reliability. Together, these factors are driving a shift toward more advanced design, robust validation and manufacturing excellence across the EV auto components ecosystem.
TimesTech: From your perspective, what are the most significant technology shifts currently shaping the Indian EV auto components market, and where do you see the biggest opportunities emerging over the next few years?
Balaji: One of the most impactful developments influencing India’s EV auto components landscape is the accelerated shift toward electric mobility, driven by tightening emission norms and supportive policy frameworks. As EV adoption grows, demand is rising for advanced sensing technologies such as battery health monitoring, environmental sensors that enhance closed loop battery performance and autonomous vehicle sensors that improve safety and navigation. This shift is gradually moving value from conventional mechanical components to smart, data-enabled solutions.
Looking ahead, opportunities lie in technology-led components that boost efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Manufacturers that can deliver high-quality, reliable, and customized solutions quickly will be best positioned to grow. Areas such as advanced sensors, ADAS, and connected vehicle systems are particularly promising. Supportive government policies such as the FDI reforms and the PLI scheme are helping the Indian auto-component industry adapt to evolving OEM requirements and new operating models.
TimesTech: TVS Sensing Solutions supplies advanced sensors and intelligent components to leading OEMs. How are your EV-focused products helping improve efficiency, safety and battery management in electric and hybrid vehicles?
Balaji: As a Tier 1 supplier, we support leading OEMs with a growing portfolio of EV-focused sensors and intelligent components designed to improve efficiency, safety and battery management in electric and hybrid vehicles. For example, our ARAI-approved DC-DC converters play a critical role in efficient power conversion and stable energy distribution across vehicle systems, supporting optimal battery utilization and reliability and AV (Audio Visual) unit for alert mechanism on battery pack as a part of enhanced safety on EV. In parallel, solutions such as Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors, throttle position sensors and side stand sensors enhance vehicle efficiency, functional safety and real-time performance monitoring, which help OEMs meet stringent EV safety and regulatory requirements.
We approach the EV transition with a strong focus on customization, quality and cost optimization, ensuring our solutions align closely with OEM-specific requirements. For example, technologies such as Acoustic Vehicle Alert Systems further enhance pedestrian safety, while our continuous improvement mindset ensures timely delivery of reliable, future-ready components that support the evolving needs of electric and hybrid mobility. By developing products tailored to customer problem statements and integrating standalone and connected IIoT-enabled solutions, we enable smarter diagnostics, predictive insights and sustainable vehicle operation.
TimesTech: R&D appears to be a strong focus at TVS Sensing Solutions, with in-house development and innovation centre. How is research-driven innovation helping the company address challenges such as energy optimization, durability and sustainability in EV systems?
Balaji: Our manufacturing plant in Madurai, together with our advanced Development and Innovation Centre forms the foundation of our research-driven innovation strategy. This integrated setup enables seamless collaboration between manufacturing and R&D while ensuring faster translation of ideas into scalable solutions. By leveraging Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies, we enable real-time data collection across machines, allowing advanced analytics to improve productivity, energy optimization and durability while proactively managing failures through intelligent alert systems. IIoT-enabled productivity monitoring helps minimize downtime, enhance operational efficiency and support more sustainable manufacturing practices, which is critical as EV systems demand higher reliability and efficiency.
Building on this strong plant-led ecosystem, our Development and Innovation Centre focuses on addressing the broader technology disruptions shaping the automotive industry, particularly the shift towards electric, connected and autonomous vehicles. Key initiatives include advanced insert-molded manufacturing for sophisticated assemblies and integrated sensor solutions that combine multiple sensing elements into compact, cost-effective units. Our ongoing work in integrated sensors and ADAS supports advanced functions such as lane-keeping, parking assistance, adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance. These solutions enhance vehicle safety, performance and energy efficiency, reinforcing our commitment to future-ready EV systems.
TimesTech: With your background in Industrial Internet of Things and decades of experience in manufacturing and operations, how do you see intelligent sensing and connected systems influencing the future of smart mobility in India?
Balaji: With the increasing integration of digital intelligence into vehicles and mobility ecosystems, intelligent sensing and connected systems are becoming critical to the evolution of smart mobility in India. These technologies enable vehicles to collect and analyse data in real time, supporting predictive decision-making, enhanced control, and improved energy efficiency, safety and overall performance. OEMs are increasingly looking for customized, reliable solutions, and partnerships with EV startups and technology companies are driving faster innovation, cost optimization and continual improvement.
At the manufacturing level, connected systems and IIoT are transforming how advanced sensing solutions are produced at scale. Advanced application engineering helps reduce weight, optimize thermal performance and extend electrical life, ensuring components meet the rigorous demands of electrified mobility. By combining intelligent sensing with collaborative development and innovation, we are enabling a smarter, safer, and more sustainable mobility ecosystem across India.
TimesTech: Looking ahead, what do you see as the key growth drivers and technology challenges for EV auto component manufacturing in India, and how is TVS Sensing Solutions preparing for this next phase of evolution?
Balaji: As vehicles become increasingly software-defined, smart sensing solutions are emerging as critical enablers of performance and reliability. However, this shift also brings significant technology challenges, including the need for higher functional safety, precision and durability in EV components. At the same time, manufacturers must manage faster development cycles and seamless hardware–software integration, while remaining cost-competitive and compliant with global standards.
At TVS Sensing Solutions,we are preparing for this next phase by staying agile and technology-focused, supported by our advanced Development and Innovation Centre. We are actively developing customized smart sensing solutions tailored for EV applications and collaborating with startups to accelerate our EV portfolio. With a strong emphasis on innovation, design and application engineering, we aim to deliver customer-centric and sustainable mobility solutions. Backed by our export capabilities, we continue to expand through international and domestic partnerships and strengthen our position in the evolving global EV ecosystem.
