Telematics Wire in discussion with Poorvak Kapoor, VP, Technology, Euler Motors
- Can you briefly introduce yourself and provide some background on your journey in the electric mobility industry?
As a professional, I have always been inspired by engineering – doing and applying science, to find the core of any problem and ultimately formulate a solution. For me, Euler Motors has given me that connection, that platform. I started as a Senior Software Engineer back in 2019 here at Euler Motors. I was asked to learn EV as a product, the mechanics, the software, and all the engineering behind it, to ultimately build the EVs we have on the roads today!
At present, I am working as the VP of technology at Euler Motors. My responsibilities include defining requirements and designing cloud infrastructure for connected vehicles- over-the-air updates (OTA), remote commands, remote telemetry and IOT. In total, I have over a decade of experience across diverse organizations like Cube26, Frankly.me, where I worked as a backend developer. I also worked as a Senior Software engineer at Juggernaut Books.
2. How does Euler Motors differentiate from its competitors?
Our aim has consistently been to exceed the performance of conventional ICE vehicles with our HiLoad EVs. Euler’s EV technology has already set impressive industry benchmarks, delivering higher earnings and lower operational costs for Indian customers, and meeting the unique needs of Indian businesses. As leaders in the Indian EV market, we prioritise features like high payload capacity, efficient battery design, charging solutions, autonomous driving, and data analytics.
We build the proprietary liquid-cooled battery pack in-house that sets us apart from everyone in the market. This critical aspect of our battery system is carefully designed to improve both efficiency and reliability. Our EVs also come equipped with cutting-edge components like the Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS), a motor controller, and a vehicle control unit, all of which ensure superior control and performance when compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Euler Motors’ battery technology is purpose-built for safety and robust performance across the diverse terrains and varying temperatures of India. Our IP67 13 kWh battery pack incorporates an advanced thermal management system and patented liquid cooling technology, a groundbreaking innovation in the Indian market. This innovation maintains optimal operating temperatures for both the battery pack and motor, ultimately enhancing vehicle performance and extending its range.
Another standout feature of our EVs is the Euler Shepherd, our proprietary software application that offers advanced telematics for real-time fleet tracking, vehicle monitoring, and charging status. This app also enables over-the-air updates, addressing bugs, adding new features, and facilitating preventive maintenance and servicing. This approach minimizes vehicle downtime and maximizes efficiency.
3. Could you tell us more about the technology and innovation behind Euler Motors vehicles?
At Euler Motors, our vehicles are characterized by a range of cutting-edge technologies and innovative features that set them apart in not just the EV segment but also the ICE vehicle segment.
To enable precise control of the vehicle’s electric motor, our HiLoad is equipped with advanced motor controllers, resulting in improved acceleration, efficiency, and regenerative braking capabilities, enhancing the overall driving experience.
A Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) is an electronic control unit responsible for managing the vehicle’s subsystems. In our EVs, it controls the flow of power from the battery to the electric motor while overseeing systems like regenerative braking and charging. By receiving signals from various vehicle sensors, the VCU effectively manages the power train system. For instance, it responds to the driver’s accelerator input by adjusting the motor’s power output based on signals from the pedal position sensor. Similarly, when the brake pedal is pressed, the VCU signals the motor controller to reduce power output and activate the regenerative braking system for vehicle deceleration.
Additionally, our vehicles come with a range of charging solutions and a well-established network of charging stations with both AC and DC fast charging capabilities, unlike any other commercial EV.
4. Can you share insights into the battery technology used in Euler Motors vehicles, including range, charging infrastructure, and longevity?
At Euler, we are proud to offer a unique 13 kWh IP67 lithium-ion battery pack that is unlike any other. Our battery pack is innovative and features cutting-edge technology, such as our battery thermal management systems and liquid cooling. We understand the importance of temperature control and accurate measurement within lithium-ion batteries, which is why we use the advanced “Arc Reactor 100” technology to regulate temperature and optimize performance. Our battery is designed to operate efficiently within the ideal temperature range for lithium-ion batteries, taking into account the diverse temperature conditions experienced in India. This careful optimization not only extends the battery’s lifespan but also increases its secondary value.
5. Does Euler Motors vehicles have Telematics Control Unit? If yes, are you using the data from TCU?
Every vehicle of Euler Motors comes equipped with a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) as a standard component. Through this TCU, we continuously gather an extensive dataset of more than 400 data points at intervals ranging from 1 to 5 seconds. This data collection serves the crucial purpose of closely monitoring and regulating vehicle performance, and if necessary, triggering alerts to relevant stakeholders.
Euler Motors has made significant advancements in the realm of connected vehicles, with a particular focus on optimizing the underlying network layer within the TCU. This optimization is instrumental in ensuring improved network connectivity, even in areas with intermittent signal coverage.
Moreover, the wealth of data points collected by our TCUs serves as the catalyst for a series of inference and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) pipelines. These pipelines are instrumental in generating value throughout the entire supply chain, leveraging the capabilities of the Euler Software Stack, known as ESS-5.0. Through the utilization of these data-driven insights, Euler Motors is poised to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its supply chain operations significantly.
Additionally, the TCU facilitates communication between the vehicle and our proprietary software application, Euler Shepherd, which provides comprehensive telematics services and helps businesses manage their fleets more efficiently.
6. What emerging technologies do you believe will have significant impact on the electric vehicle industry in the coming years?
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is being driven by several key factors. Firstly, the evolution of battery technology, primarily led by advancements in lithium-ion batteries, has significantly improved the efficiency, range, and charging speed of EVs. These enhanced batteries are making electric vehicles more practical and appealing to consumers. Additionally, the expansion of charging infrastructure is crucial for the widespread adoption of EVs. In India, we are witnessing the development of a robust network of both public and private charging stations, particularly tailored to commercial EVs, which allows for longer journeys and reduces range anxiety.
Furthermore, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and Telematics technologies is playing a pivotal role in optimizing the operations of commercial EVs. Real-time tracking, remote diagnostics, and predictive maintenance made possible by these technologies are increasing the efficiency of fleet management, reducing downtime, and ultimately enhancing overall productivity. These technological advancements are complemented by supportive government policies and incentives designed to promote the adoption of EVs. Measures such as subsidies, tax benefits, and regulatory initiatives are compelling businesses to make the switch to electric commercial vehicles.
In addition to these developments, data-driven insights are proving invaluable in the commercial EV sector. The utilization of data analytics allows for the collection of relevant information regarding vehicle performance, driver behavior, and charging patterns. These insights empower operators to make well-informed decisions when it comes to fleet management, ultimately leading to optimized operations and cost savings.
As the EV market continues to grow, there is increasing emphasis on localized manufacturing of components and vehicles. This approach not only reduces production costs but also contributes to sustainability by minimizing emissions associated with long-distance transportation of EV components. This localization trend aligns with the broader goal of making EVs more environmentally friendly and economically viable.
7. How would you ensure that Euler Motors remains at the forefront of technological advancements? How would you incorporate these technologies into Euler Motors’ product offerings?
We at Euler Motors will continue to move with a strategic and forward-thinking approach and continue investing in research & development to develop cutting-edge EV technologies, batteries, power electronics, and software systems. It is also critical to invest in emerging technologies, such as solid-state batteries, advanced materials, autonomous driving, and connected vehicle technology. We will also have to leverage data analytics and AI to improve vehicle performance, optimize battery management, enhance user experiences, and predict maintenance needs. Euler Shepherd, our proprietary software application offers advanced telematics for real-time fleet tracking, vehicle monitoring, and charging status.
Our EVs are equipped with advanced components like BTMS, a motor controller, and a vehicle control unit, all of which collectively deliver exceptional control and performance, surpassing what is typically found in ICEs.
We also intend to secure patents for innovative technologies to protect intellectual property and maintain a competitive edge. Our IP67 13 kWh battery pack incorporates patented liquid cooling technology, marking a pioneering advancement within the Indian market.
8. Any comments on diagnostic system in your vehicle?
Our vehicles utilize Unified Diagnostic Services (UDS) for local communication through a dedicated channel, as well as for remote communication via the cloud. Whenever the backend, which is the cloud-based system, requires a diagnostic report, it directly requests the specific or complete data it needs. This process allows for the aggregation of data and the generation of additional insights and inferences.
In essence, the use of UDS for both local and remote communication ensures that our vehicles are always connected and monitored. This connectivity not only enhances our ability to diagnose and address issues promptly but also enables us to extract valuable knowledge from the data, ultimately improving the overall efficiency and reliability of our vehicle fleet.
9. From future perspective cybersecurity is a critical concern for the automotive industry. Are you working on it to protect against any future potential cyber threats?
Our existing architecture system is designed to function effectively for encrypted data exchanges. Additionally, any communication conducted with external parties via the Internet is closely monitored and secured through a specialized security layer that has been developed in collaboration with our network providers. To enhance security, we regularly install and update certificates over a secure channel to minimize the potential exposure of sensitive data.
As part of our forward-looking approach, we are introducing peer-to-peer communication capabilities. This strategic move aims to distribute and reduce the risk of compromising any valuable assets in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, it will enable us to centrally manage the peer-to-peer distribution of data points, facilitating data recovery when necessary.
10. Does Euler Motors have any partnerships or collaborations with technology companies, research institutions, or government bodies to advance technological innovation?
Euler Motors has established strategic partnerships with industry giants such as AWS (Amazon Web Services) which has enabled us to harness the power of their cutting-edge cloud computing services. AWS, a globally recognized leader in cloud solutions, provides us with a robust and scalable platform that underpins our operations. We have also partnered with Google for navigation-related services, including maps. Through this partnership, we can enhance the precision and functionality of our navigation systems, ensuring that our customers benefit from the latest advancements in mapping technology.
Moreover, we take great pride in our extensive utilization of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), commonly known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). This cutting-edge satellite navigation system plays a pivotal role in our positioning systems, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of our location-based services. By harnessing NavIC’s capabilities, we are not only promoting technological advancements but also supporting and contributing to India’s indigenous satellite navigation infrastructure.
