Page 39 - ITLN January - February 2025

for larger vehicles. Despite some
progress in localising two- and three-
wheeler components, significant
import reliance (80 percent) persists.
Manuj Malhotra, VP-Strategic
Sourcing & Supply Chain, Omega Seiki
Mobility, focused on three-wheelers in
last-mile logistics, noting the increasing
influence of ESG and BRSR norms
driving the shift to near-zero-emission
EVs. However, policy volatility, such as
(L-R) Sahil Seshadri of Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles India, Kedar Rele unpredictable subsidy changes, impacts
of Umicore Autocat India and Thailand, Deepak Pandita of Leadec India, Mudit Dobhal of demand. “Strategic planning, cost
IndoSpace Development Management and Rakesh Pathak (Moderator). efficiency, localisation, and consistent
government support are crucial for
mitigating risks and driving sustainable
growth,” he said.
Deepak S, Head of Logistics, Ather
Energy, provided a broader view of EV
supply chain challenges, including
disruptions from geopolitical events
and global crises. He described the
EV ecosystem as operating in a VUCA
(volatility, uncertainty, complexity and
ambiguity) world, marked by price
fluctuations, geopolitical conflicts, and
supply disruptions. He also highlighted
the resilience of logistics functions in
navigating this dynamic environment.
A key theme was the need for internal
synchronisation within organisations,
aligning planning, procurement,
and logistics to navigate external
(L-R) Manjula Girish of Delta Electronics India, Manuj Malhotra of Omega Seiki Mobility, challenges effectively. The panel also
Deepak S of Ather Energy and Hemal N Thakkar of CRISIL (Moderator).
addressed the pivotal role of regulations,
requiring close collaboration between
Highlighting innovations in supply chain, often bearing the brunt manufacturers and the government.
warehousing, Mudit Dobhal discussed of inefficiencies. Panellists advocated Digitalisation was another focus.
the importance of models like plug- for its strategic integration into core While advanced technologies offer
and-play facilities and large distribution business decisions. Key obstacles efficiency gains, panellists emphasised
centres in supporting the automotive identified included reliance on imported the importance of robust foundational
industry’s growing demands. Efficient components (particularly for trucks and processes (\logistical hygiene) as
warehousing not only reduces costs but buses), fluctuating government policies prerequisites for successfully leveraging
also enhances speed and reliability in (especially subsidy changes), and the digital tools.
the supply chain. lack of widespread, reliable charging Reverse logistics emerged as a key
infrastructure, leading to range anxiety. concern. Deepak S of Ather highlighted
Overcoming complex challenges of A significant focus was on the challenges in managing battery
EV for a sustainable Future unique challenges facing the EV sector, returns and repairs, particularly in
This fifth panel discussion at the Auto including its import dependence and the two-wheeler segment, including
SCM Summit 2024, "Changemakers of complex regulatory environment. inadequate service networks, a lack
Tomorrow: Redefining EV Logistics," Manjula Girish, Business Head of organised players, and reliance
addressed the complex challenges of EVCS PVI, Delta Electronics India, on smaller, less efficient providers.
evolving EV logistics in India. outlined her focus on charging The high cost and suboptimal service
The discussion highlighted logistics infrastructure and power electronics, levels of existing reverse logistics
as the crucial final link in the EV highlighting supply chain challenges solutions were also discussed.
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