Brahmanand Patil, President & Managing Director of VECTOR, shares insights on the company’s pivotal role in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. From testing EV battery performance to advancing communication protocols for charging stations, VECTOR is at the forefront of supporting both global and local OEMs. With a focus on software development and electronics, VECTOR is helping drive the future of automotive technology in India and beyond.
Can you tell us about VECTOR role in the EV and IC engine development?
Brahmanand Patil: Our products are primarily involved in electronics development and software, regardless of whether it's EV or IC engine. However, for EVs, there are specific challenges that involve electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and high-voltage measurements, unlike IC engines, which focus more on physical parameters like hydraulics, pressure, and temperature. We offer test systems and devices that gather this data, which helps developers and test engineers analyze the system more effectively.
What are your solutions for testing communication between charging stations and EVs?
Brahmanand Patil: There are several standards for charging station communication, such as CCS, CHAdeMO, and GBT, and India is introducing its own standard IS-17017. To test these, we simulate the vehicle or charging station separately, focusing on the communication protocols rather than the entire vehicle. We provide software tools like KANU for testing, which support smart mobility and help measure more complex parameters like efficiency and power factor, beyond just voltage and current.
What role does VECTOR play in the testing of EV batteries?
Brahmanand Patil: While OEMs are working on battery technologies such as solid-state batteries, VECTOR’s role is to test the electrical performance of these batteries. We offer smart sensors like the DTEM cell, which sits on each battery cell to monitor temperature and behavior, ensuring their optimal performance during testing.
How do you see the automotive industry evolving in India, and what are your plans for 2025?
Brahmanand Patil: India is becoming a global hub for software development, especially in the automotive sector. Many international companies are setting up development centers here, attracted by the availability of skilled and knowledgeable engineers. Indian OEMs are also making great strides, introducing innovative solutions like software-defined vehicles. VECTOR aims to support these advancements with products that are agnostic to powertrains and vehicle classes, supporting everything from passenger vehicles to two-wheelers.
How does VECTOR contribute to the broader automotive ecosystem?
Brahmanand Patil: Our products cater to the primary areas of electronics and software development across different vehicle classes. Whether it's for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, or two-wheelers, our tools help engineers focus on resolving the complexities of their applications. We aim to simplify the process for OEMs and test engineers, ultimately driving innovation within the local ecosystem.
Conclusion
VECTOR is playing a significant role in advancing the Indian automotive sector by offering testing solutions for EVs, batteries, and communication systems. With a strong focus on electronics and software, the company is helping engineers and OEMs navigate the complexities of the evolving automotive landscape.
