Interview: Rohan Shravan
Founder and CEO at Tresa Motors
Tresa Motors Elevating Standards with its Unique EV Battery Systems
July 18, 2024. By News Bureau
Que: Kindly elaborate on Tresa Motors' approach to ensuring the safety and reliability of its battery systems in electric trucks, especially in challenging conditions like extreme temperatures or heavy loads.
Ans: We have employed a multi-pronged approach to ensure the utmost safety and reliability of our battery systems in electric trucks, even under extreme conditions like high temperatures or heavy-duty operations. Recognizing the potential risks of excessive heat buildup, software glitches in the Battery Management System (BMS), overcharging, and electrical short circuits, we have developed an innovative Meg50 battery pack design, which immerses the cells in a dielectric liquid coolant. This serves a dual purpose – enhancing thermal management for optimal efficiency while simultaneously acting as a built-in fire suppressant.
By mitigating the root causes of battery-related hazards, such as overheating and thermal runaway, we aim to set new benchmarks in electric vehicle safety, particularly for high-capacity battery packs used in commercial trucking applications.
Que: Kindly shed some light on Tresa Motors' research and development efforts aimed at pushing the boundaries of battery technology to improve energy density and reduce charging times.
Ans: At Tresa Motors, all our R&D efforts are focused on pushing the limits of battery technology for electric vehicles. A key priority here is improving energy density and reducing charging times – two factors that can revolutionize the EV industry.
As part of our R&D, we investigate advanced materials and cell designs to increase the energy storage capacity of our batteries. Achieving higher energy density could extend the driving ranges of electric trucks, thus making them more efficient in tackling demanding long-haul operations with ease.
Additionally, we explore innovative charging technologies to significantly reduce the time needed to replenish battery packs. Rapid charging capabilities would not only enhance convenience for drivers but also improve operational efficiency for commercial fleets by minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Que: Can you discuss the role of Tresa's LIDAR sensor-fusion system in continuously monitoring the surrounding environment in three dimensions, and how is Tresa utilizing this data to improve various modules within the vehicle, such as collision avoidance or a
Ans: Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor-fusion systems are integral in Tresa’s three-dimensional monitoring of a vehicle's surroundings, particularly beneficial for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). LIDAR sensors excel by generating high-resolution, real-time maps through laser beams that measure the distance to various objects by analyzing the time it takes for the reflections to return. This capability is crucial for creating detailed and precise topographic maps essential for navigation and obstacle detection.
Unlike cameras, LIDAR is less affected by variable lighting conditions, such as darkness or direct sunlight, providing reliable and consistent data under various environmental conditions. This precise environmental awareness is leveraged by Tresa’s vehicles, enhancing features like collision avoidance, where the vehicle can detect and react to potential obstacles with great accuracy.
Similarly, in adaptive cruise control, LIDAR data helps maintain safe following distances and speeds based on the real-time positioning of surrounding vehicles and road conditions, adapting to changes seamlessly and ensuring enhanced safety and comfort for passengers.
Que: How does the vertical integration of battery manufacturing within electric vehicle OEMs contribute to cost savings compared to relying on third-party suppliers?
Ans: The cost of battery cells accounts for half of the total battery pack cost, with cathode materials like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese being a significant portion of the cell cost. The anode is made from graphite. Securing local sources for these raw materials can reduce costs. However, the other 50 percent of the battery pack cost comes from imported components.
Innovative design of electronic and electrical components like battery management systems, power electronics, wiring, connectors, and thermal systems can substantially reduce overall costs through improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness. While securing local raw materials for cells is important, comprehensive efforts to optimize all battery pack components are essential for minimizing costs and increasing electric vehicle affordability.
Que: How do Tresa Motors' electric trucks contribute to enhancing fleet performance and efficiency for JFK Transporters?
Ans: We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity it provides us to demonstrate our innovative electric vehicle technology on Indian roads. Receiving pre-orders is a chance for us to establish Tresa Motors as a leading player in the electric trucking space. At the same time, we are thrilled that JFK Transporters will be among the early adopters of our cutting-edge electric trucks, allowing them to improve the performance and efficiency of their transportation operations.
Que: Has Tresa Motors made any customized features or adaptations to meet the specific operational requirements and preferences of JFK Transporters in their collaborative venture?
Ans: Whilst building our trucks, we kept in mind all the features that industries like Shipping, Logistics, etc., would greatly benefit from.
What stands out about Tresa Motors is the fact we have built our electric trucks on the back of high innovation and cutting-edge technology, that provide the best efficiency that the EV industry has ever seen.
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.