Propel’s vehicles are battery-operated, resulting in zero exhaust emissions.

V. Senthilkumar, Managing Director, Propel Industries

How do you view the segment for Tippers/ Commercial Vehicles in India?

In the context of Tippers/Commercial Vehicles in India, particularly in the mining industry, these vehicles are categorized into three groups – Low, Medium, and Heavy commercial vehicles. The sector is projected to experience a robust growth rate of 8%, reaching a market size of USD 44 billion by 2032. Factors fuelling this growth include innovation, road expansion, increased construction activities, and a growing demand for goods transportation in manufacturing and agriculture.

How do you ensure the durability and longevity of your Tippers/ Commercial Vehicles under heavy-duty conditions?

To ensure the durability and longevity of their vehicles under heavy-duty conditions, Propel involves a robust validation process, extensive application testing, internalization of critical components, designing based on usage conditions, and implementing diagnostics and prognostics systems to anticipate failures before they occur.

How do you stay competitive in terms of pricing and product quality?

To stay competitive in pricing and product quality, Propel leverages its pioneering status in the segment, offering high-end technology and cost-effective solutions for a faster return on investment. They optimize component utilization, implement regenerative braking, and utilize intelligent control systems for better efficiency and mileage per kilowatt.

What kind of customer support do you provide post-purchase? – On time service support and spare availability

Our battery warranty spans five years, facilitated by an advanced thermal management system ensuring the battery remains cool even at high ambient temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius. To complement this, we offer a nationwide service network with well-trained professionals, equipped with a telematics system for remote diagnostics and Over the Air (OTA) updates. In the event of a breakdown, our commitment extends to providing service engineer availability within 24 hours, ensuring prompt and efficient assistance to our valued customers.

What are the technological features integrated into your vehicles for maintenance tracking or performance optimization?

The integrated telematics system in our vehicles serves multiple functions, such as enabling remote diagnostics and facilitating Over the Air (OTA) updates. In addition to these technological features, our vehicles are equipped with advanced safety measures, including driver fatigue detection, auto-fire detection, and the provision of fire extinguishers if the situation demands. The system also incorporates overload detection, contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of our electric vehicles.

What are the relevant safety and environmental regulations in your Tippers/ Commercial Vehicles?

Currently undergoing CMVR certification, our vehicles boast an architecture designed for functional safety. Pioneering the industry with numerous first-of-its-kind features, including auto-fire extinguishers, carry load detection, and an over-designed thermal cooling system tailored for extreme harsh environments, we prioritize safety and innovation in our offerings.

What are the challenges in the Tippers/ Commercial Vehicles industry and plan to overcome them?

The challenges in the Tippers/Commercial Vehicles industry include the significant capital cost, with batteries accounting for approximately 50% of the vehicle cost. However, Propel addresses this by sizing batteries according to specific applications, offering different battery packs ranging from 163 to 450 kWh. Another challenge lies in the absence of specific regulations for off-highway vehicles in the electric vehicle (EV) category. To address this issue, Propel is actively engaged in discussions with the Ministry of India for the enforcement of EV CEV regulations. Additionally, the industry faces hurdles related to the infrastructure for long-haulage trucks and high import duties, compounded by a limited number of domestic suppliers for heavy trucks. To overcome these challenges, Propel adopts a strategic approach by indigenizing all critical components, thereby reducing dependence on external suppliers.

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