Shaping the Future on EVs, Design Innovations, and India’s Automotive Evolution

Insights from Parminder Singh - Autodesk

INDUSTRY EXPERTSELECTRIC VEHICLEEV-People In Focus

Last updated Dec 25, 2024

Parminder Singh

Parminder Singh is the Country Head for Autodesk‘s Design & Manufacturing and Media and Entertainment verticals in India & SAARC. With over two decades of experience spanning across the manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), automotive, aerospace, and telecommunications sectors, Parminder has been instrumental in driving digital transformation for enterprise organizations. His expertise lies in creating value propositions, leading teams, devising strategies for customer win-backs, stakeholder management, and building partnerships with CXOs across India.

What are your thoughts on the Indian automobile industry in the context of the increasing appeal of electric vehicles?

The Electric Vehicle (EV) market in India has been experiencing rapid growth and is poised for substantial expansion in the coming years. As per the data from ibef.org, the Indian EV market is forecasted to expand from US$ 3.21 billion in 2022 to US$ 113.99 billion by 2029, with a 66.52% CAGR. India is on track to become the largest EV market by 2030, with rise in investment over the next 8-10 years.

Government Initiatives and Policies

The Indian Government has been proactive in promoting the adoption of EVs through a series of initiatives and policies aimed at achieving its mission of 30% electric mobility by 2030. Key measures include:

Customs Duty Exemption: The budget announced customs duty exemption on the import of capital goods and machinery required for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, which are crucial for powering EVs.
FAME II Scheme: Commenced on 1st April 2019, with a total budgetary support of US$ 1.43 billion (Rs. 10,000 crore), FAME II primarily targets the electrification of public and shared transportation. Under this scheme, 30% of the procurement of manufactured or processed products must come from SMEs.
Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme: This scheme, with a budget of US$ 60.18 million (Rs. 500 crore), will be operational from April 1 to July 31, 2024. It aims to enhance green mobility and stimulate electric vehicle manufacturing in the country, with further measures planned to promote this sector.
Technological Innovations – Technology is playing a crucial role in enabling the transition to EVs. Innovations across various fields and domains have made EVs more efficient and viable. Key technological advancements include:

- Battery Technology: The shift from liquid to solid-state batteries offers higher energy density, improving the range and safety of EVs.

- Charging Infrastructure: The development of DC fast charging stations significantly reduces charging times, making EVs more convenient for users.

- Factory Digitization: The digitization of factory design and operations enhances manufacturing efficiency and reduces costs.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the promising growth, the Indian EV market faces several challenges:

Growth Capital: Providing accessible growth capital to late-stage startups remains a significant hurdle.
Attracting Foreign Manufacturers: Efforts are needed to attract foreign EV manufacturers to invest in the Indian market.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for growth, innovation, and leadership in the global EV landscape. By addressing these issues, India can further solidify its position as a leader in the electric vehicle market.

As digital transformation becomes a key focus, what specific challenges does the Indian automotive industry face in adopting fully digital design and manufacturing workflows?

Digital transformation is reshaping industries by integrating digital technologies into all areas of business, fundamentally changing how organizations operate and deliver value to customers. This shift has profound implications for the skills required in the industry. Here are some key aspects of how digital transformation is influencing the evolving skills landscape:

Technical Proficiency:

- Software and Tools: Proficiency in advanced software tools (e.g., CAD, CAM, CAE software like Autodesk Fusion) is becoming essential. Employees need to be adept at using these tools for design, simulation, and manufacturing processes.

- Data Analytics: Skills in data analysis and interpretation are crucial as data-driven decision-making becomes more prevalent.

- Understanding Digital Systems: A broad understanding of digital systems, including cloud computing, IoT (Internet of Things), and AI (Artificial Intelligence), is increasingly important.

- Cybersecurity Awareness: As digital systems become more integrated, awareness and knowledge of cybersecurity practices are vital to protect sensitive information and maintain system integrity.

Soft Skills:

- Adaptability and Continuous Learning: The rapid pace of technological change requires a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability. Employees must be willing to upskill and reskill regularly.

- Collaboration and Communication: Digital transformation often involves cross-functional teams and collaboration across different geographies. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Project Management:

- Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with agile project management methodologies helps in managing projects more efficiently in a fast-paced digital environment.

- Change Management: Skills in change management are important to help organizations and teams navigate the transitions brought about by digital transformation.

Conclusion

Digital transformation is driving a significant shift in the skills required across various industries. To remain competitive and thrive in this evolving landscape, individuals and organizations must invest in developing these new skills. Continuous learning, adaptability, and a proactive approach to embracing new technologies are essential for success in the digital age.

Autodesk has been a leader in design innovation. How do tools like Autodesk Fusion and generative design help automotive manufacturers in India create lighter, more efficient parts and improve overall performance?

Autodesk’s Fusion and generative design technology plays a significant role in advancing the manufacturing industry in several ways:

Optimized Design Solutions: Generative design uses algorithms to explore a vast number of design permutations, optimizing for constraints and goals such as weight, strength, cost, and manufacturability. This leads to innovative and efficient design solutions that might not be achievable through traditional design methods.
Material Efficiency: By optimizing designs for material usage, generative design helps reduce waste and lower material costs. This is particularly beneficial in industries where material costs are high, such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing.
Performance Improvements: Generative design enables the creation of components that are not only lighter and stronger but also better suited to their intended functions. This can lead to performance improvements in the final products, such as increased durability and efficiency.
Accelerated Innovation: The technology allows designers and engineers to quickly generate and evaluate multiple design alternatives. This accelerates the innovation process, enabling faster product development cycles and quicker time-to-market.
Customization and Personalization: Generative design makes it easier to create customized and personalized products. This is particularly useful in industries like medical device manufacturing, where tailored solutions can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Sustainability: By optimizing for resource efficiency and reducing waste, generative design supports sustainable manufacturing practices. It helps manufacturers minimize their environmental impact and adhere to sustainability goals.
Integration with Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Generative design is well-suited for advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing (3D printing). It enables the creation of complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to produce with traditional manufacturing methods.
Cost Reduction: By reducing material usage, improving performance, and streamlining the design process, generative design can lead to significant cost savings in manufacturing.

Overall, Autodesk’s Fusion and generative design technology empowers manufacturers to push the boundaries of what is possible in design and production, leading to more innovative, efficient, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

How do Autodesk’s cloud-based solutions facilitate collaboration across design, engineering, and production teams, especially in India, where many manufacturers operate in decentralised environments?

Autodesk provides several tools and solutions that enable businesses to adapt effectively to fluctuating demand and drive agile manufacturing. Here are some ways in which Autodesk supports agile manufacturing:

Cloud-Based Solutions: Autodesk’s cloud-based platforms, such as Fusion, allow for real-time collaboration and data sharing across different teams and locations. This ensures that design and engineering teams can work together seamlessly, making it easier to respond quickly to changing demands.
Flexible Design Tools: Autodesk’s design tools, such as AutoCAD, Inventor, and Revit, offer powerful capabilities for creating and modifying designs quickly. These tools support rapid prototyping and iterative design processes, allowing manufacturers to adapt their products to meet changing market needs.
Digital Twin Technology: Autodesk’s digital twin technology enables manufacturers to create virtual replicas of their physical products and production processes. This allows for real-time monitoring and simulation, helping businesses to optimize their operations and respond swiftly to changes in demand.
Generative Design: Autodesk’s generative design tools, use AI and machine learning to explore a wide range of design alternatives based on specified constraints and goals. This helps manufacturers quickly identify the most efficient and adaptable designs, reducing time to market.
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Autodesk’s PLM solutions provide comprehensive tools for managing the entire product lifecycle. This includes capabilities for change management, version control, and collaboration, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and can respond rapidly to changes.
Additive Manufacturing: Autodesk supports additive manufacturing (3D printing) through tools like Netfabb, which streamline the process from design to production. Additive manufacturing enables rapid production of prototypes and final parts, allowing businesses to scale production up or down quickly in response to demand.
Simulation and Analysis: Autodesk’s simulation toolsallow manufacturers to test and validate their designs virtually before physical production. This reduces the risk of costly errors and ensures that products can be adapted efficiently to meet new requirements.
Supply Chain Management: Autodesk’s solutions help manufacturers manage their supply chains more effectively by providing visibility into the sourcing and movement of materials. This enables better planning and coordination, ensuring that manufacturers can respond quickly to supply chain disruptions and changes in demand.

By leveraging these tools and solutions, businesses can enhance their agility and responsiveness, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle fluctuating demand and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

What key trends do you see shaping the future of the Indian automotive industry in the next decade, especially in terms of design?

Some of the key trends in the design and manufacturing industries are:

AI and Digital Transformation: Autodesk is leveraging AI and machine learning in its software solutions to enhance design capabilities and automate repetitive tasks. This includes tools like Autodesk Fusion 360, which integrates CAD, CAM, and CAE into a single platform.
Cloud as technology – Cloud technology is a key trend revolutionizing the design and manufacturing industries, enabling greater collaboration, scalability, and efficiency. By leveraging cloud-based solutions, companies can access powerful tools and resources without the need for significant upfront investments in hardware and infrastructure.Autodesk is at the forefront of this transformation, offering innovative cloud-based platforms like Autodesk Fusion. Fusion integrates CAD, CAM, and CAE in a single platform, allowing for seamless collaboration and real-time data sharing among team members, regardless of their location. This not only accelerates the design process but also enhances the quality of the final product. These cloud-powered tools exemplify how we are helping design and manufacturing professionals to innovate, increase efficiency, and create more sustainable products.

Smart Manufacturing: Autodesk supports the adoption of smart manufacturing practices by providing advanced manufacturing software solutions that integrate with IIoT and other Industry 4.0 technologies.
Additive Manufacturing: Autodesk offers solutions like Autodesk Netfabb, which supports additive manufacturing processes, enabling efficient and innovative product development.
Workforce Development: Autodesk is firmly committed to helping solve the skills gap problem and prepare the next generation for the jobs of today and tomorrow. We deliver on this commitment by providing free access to our full portfolio of professional-grade software to accredited institutions. Infact, in November this year, we entered into a MoU with IIT Bombay. The collaboration will combine Autodesk’s industry expertise with IIT Bombay’s leadership in education, research, and innovation. The objective is to train and provide skills to top talent, support India’s growth, and shape the country’s technical and scientific landscape.
Supply Chain and Product Lifecycle Management: Autodesk’s software solutions, such as Autodesk Fusion Lifecycle, help streamline supply chain management and product lifecycle processes, enhancing overall efficiency.
Tool path generation on cloud – Autodesk is pioneering tool path generation on the cloud, revolutionizing the way manufacturers approach CNC machining and other automated processes. By utilizing cloud-based solutions like Autodesk Fusion, users can generate, simulate, and optimize tool paths in a highly efficient and collaborative environment.

This cloud-centric approach allows for real-time data processing and sharing, enabling teams to work together seamlessly from different locations. The advanced capabilities of Fusion as platform and Data models leverage Autodesk’s powerful cloud computing infrastructure to perform complex calculations quickly, reducing the time required for tool path creation and iteration. This not only enhances productivity but also ensures higher precision and quality in the manufacturing process.

Aside from electric vehicles (EVs), what other significant shifts do you see taking place in the automotive industry in the coming years?

Beyond the growing emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs), the Indian automotive industry is poised to experience several other significant shifts in the coming years:

Connected and Autonomous Vehicles:

Connected Cars: The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology will lead to the development of connected cars, enhancing safety, navigation, and overall driving experience through real-time data exchange.
Autonomous Driving: While fully autonomous vehicles may still be some years away, advancements in driver-assistance systems (ADAS) will pave the way for semi-autonomous features, improving road safety and reducing driver fatigue.

Shared Mobility Solutions:

Ride-Sharing and Carpooling: The rise of shared mobility solutions such as ride-sharing and carpooling will continue to transform urban transportation, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and alleviating traffic congestion.
Subscription-Based Models: Vehicle subscription services, where users can access a fleet of vehicles for a monthly fee, will gain popularity, offering flexibility and reducing the financial burden of car ownership.

Sustainability and Green Technologies:

Alternative Fuels: The adoption of alternative fuels such as hydrogen, biofuels, and CNG (compressed natural gas) will grow, contributing to reduced emissions and a lower environmental impact.
Sustainable Manufacturing: Automotive manufacturers will increasingly adopt sustainable practices, including the use of recycled materials, energy-efficient production processes, and green supply chain management.

Advanced Manufacturing and Industry 4.0:

Smart Factories: The implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies, including automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, will lead to the development of smart factories, enhancing production efficiency and quality control.
Additive Manufacturing: Also known as 3D printing, additive manufacturing will revolutionize the production of automotive components, enabling rapid prototyping and cost-effective, customized parts.

Enhanced Customer Experience:

Digital Transformation: The automotive industry will continue to embrace digital transformation, providing seamless online and offline customer experiences through virtual showrooms, digital sales platforms, and personalized services.
In-Car Infotainment: Advances in in-car infotainment systems will offer enhanced connectivity, entertainment, and convenience features, catering to the evolving preferences of tech-savvy consumers.

Regulatory and Policy Changes:

Stricter Emission Standards: The implementation of stricter emission norms, such as Bharat Stage (BS) VI, will drive the development of cleaner and more efficient vehicles.
Incentives for Innovation: Government policies and incentives aimed at promoting innovation and research in the automotive sector will encourage the development of new technologies and business models.

Which areas of India’s automotive sector are showing the most promise in adopting advanced design tools and technologies?

Opportunities

Maturing EV technologies are poised to disrupt the traditional OEM-led large automotive market and fuel the rise of small EV vehicle manufacturers. Smaller design firms will capitalize on developing economies with cheaper entry points for EV vehicles.

We’re already seeing AI-driven design tools gain mass acceptance as they can help conceptualize these possibilities and streamline the design process by automating repetitive tasks.

Trends

Cars are poised to become more integrated with the IoT, allowing for real-time data sharing, remote diagnostics, and enhanced user experiences. Hyperscalers and platforms will play a critical role in capturing data and providing real time insights.

Software will become increasingly central to vehicle performance, operations and maintenance.

Gradual adoption of self-driving technology is inevitable, and policymakers will have to carefully direct and navigate developments related to autonomous vehicles.

As companies strive to develop fully autonomous systems, we can expect greater and deeper collaboration between software developers and traditional automotive manufacturers.

How do you see AR and VR technologies playing a role in automotive design and manufacturing?

Autodesk is leveraging automation and AI, as well as AR / VR to support vehicle design, engineering, and manufacturing. A few examples:

Rather than going to a clay model, manufacturers can leverage VR through Alias and VRED to virtually look at a design, easily collaborate with remote colleagues and partners, and make changes earlier in the design process

With Form Explorer, we’re leveraging generative AI technology to augment the creativity of industrial designers enabling them to create 3D concepts in seconds
With Drawing Automation in Fusion, which uses Autodesk AI to translate 3D models into fully dimensioned drawings, then identify and remove unnecessary items from those drawings, saving users hours of time in the process.

Looking ahead, what is your personal vision for the future of automotive manufacturing in India?

Adopting advanced design technology is essential for achieving more efficient, sustainable, cost-effective, and faster outcomes. An equally crucial aspect is the upskilling of the existing workforce alongside investing in training future designers and innovators. Public-private partnerships can play a significant role in training the technical workforce within organizations, while collaborations with academic institutions are vital for developing the future workforce. These combined efforts will greatly contribute to the future of design and manufacturing industries.

What do you think are the 4 key trends that will become the 4 wheels of the of the automotive industry?

Some of the future trends in the automotive industry are:

Cars are poised to become more integrated with the IoT, allowing for real-time data sharing, remote diagnostics, and enhanced user experiences. Hyperscalers and platforms will play a critical role in capturing data and providing real time insights.

Software will become increasingly central to vehicle performance, operations and maintenance.

Gradual adoption of self-driving technology is inevitable, and policymakers will have to carefully direct and navigate developments related to autonomous vehicles.

As companies strive to develop fully autonomous systems, we can expect greater and deeper collaboration between software developers and traditional automotive manufacturers.

Opportunities

Maturing EV technologies are poised to disrupt the traditional OEM-led large automotive market and fuel the rise of small EV vehicle manufacturers. Smaller design firms will capitalize on developing economies with cheaper entry points for EV vehicles.

We’re already seeing AI-driven design tools gain mass acceptance as they can help conceptualize these possibilities and streamline the design process by automating repetitive tasks.