Exclusive interview by Race Auto India team with Mr. Ravi Machani, Co-Founder Investor, Tresa Motors

Bangalore- Tresa Motors Private limited., a new entrant in the Commercial Vehicle Industry, is on trial stage of its electric vehicles and plans to launch 18T GVW truck in 2026 and followed till 55t GVW.

In an exclusive interview with Mr. Ravi Machani, Co-Founder Investor of Tresa Motors, our RACE team discussed the future vehicles, safety standards, AI utilization and plans for commercialization.

As the new entrant in the CV industry with medium and heavy electric trucks, what inspired you to venture into this segment?

Our decision to enter the medium and heavy electric truck segment was driven by the pressing need to address environmental and safety challenges in India's transportation sector. Conventional diesel trucks, despite comprising only 3% of vehicles, contribute disproportionately to emissions and road accidents. By developing indigenous electric trucking solutions, we aim to reduce these harmful impacts while offering cost-effective options for fleet operators. Our goal is to create a more sustainable and safer logistics ecosystem through homegrown innovation.

The unveiling of the Electric truck Model V0.2 exhibits a breakthrough for Tresa Motors. What sets this electric truck apart in the 18T-55T GVW segment?

The Model V0.2 represents a significant advancement in electric truck technology for the 18T-55T GVW segment. Its unique features include a central steering setup, customizable air-suspended seat, and adaptable range capabilities. The vehicle boasts impressive performance metrics, including 24,000Nm of torque and a top speed of 120kmph. We've incorporated advanced safety features using LIDAR and AI technologies. As India's only electric motor manufacturer in this space, our proprietary technology allows us to offer cost-effective, high-performance vehicles that prioritize driver safety and operational efficiency

Can you share the details of the Tresa motors manufacturing plant., i.e. locations, plant capacity, area, infrastructure and team.

We are currently in the process of expanding our workforce, particularly in engineering roles at both senior and mid-level positions. This recruitment drive will strengthen our capacity to innovate and lead in the electric trucking industry. Regarding our manufacturing facilities, we are evaluating locations in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Each site offers distinct advantages - Karnataka provides proximity to our engineering center, while Tamil Nadu has an established commercial vehicle manufacturing ecosystem. We are carefully considering these options to select a strategic location that will serve as our long-term engineering headquarters.

Kindly elaborate on Tresa Motors' approach towards safety and reliability of its batteries/ components in electric trucks, especially in various climatic conditions and loads. Also, can you update the status of pilots, testing and approvals of the trucks?

Our approach to battery safety and reliability is multifaceted, addressing key challenges such as heat management and potential electrical issues. We've developed an innovative Meg50 battery pack design that immerses cells in a dielectric liquid coolant, enhancing thermal management and acting as a fire suppressant. This design mitigates common risks associated with high-capacity battery packs in commercial applications. Regarding approvals, our V0.2 model has already received its Trade Certificate and License Plates, marking important milestones in our testing and certification process.

Can you delve into the significance of Tresa Motors constructing the whole in-house and how it benefits your product development, advancement and business sustainability? On what level the localization falls and details of collaboration in charging infrastructure and batteries.

In-house manufacturing is central to our product development strategy and business sustainability. By controlling the entire production process - from motors and controllers to battery electronics - we ensure unmatched quality and customization capabilities. Our latest model, V0.2, showcases several groundbreaking features developed in-house, including centralized computing units and advanced telemetry systems. Our team of over 200 engineers drives extensive R&D efforts, conducting rigorous testing and validation across various domains. This comprehensive approach enables us to deliver market-leading, indigenous EV components and solutions that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

How will Tresa Trucks contribute to reducing emissions, given the significant impact of trucks on pollution in India?

Our electric trucks are designed to significantly reduce emissions in India's transportation sector. By eliminating tailpipe emissions, including CO2, NOx, and particulate matter, these vehicles offer a cleaner alternative to traditional diesel trucks. The energy efficiency of our trucks is further enhanced by our proprietary Axial Flux Motor technology, which optimizes power usage. As India prepares to implement its vehicle scrappage policy and faces rising fuel costs, the transition to medium and heavy electric trucks is expected to accelerate, offering both environmental benefits and cost savings for businesses.

Could you explain the plans in terms of expansion, partnerships and investment?

Our partnership with JFK Transporters marks an important step in our expansion plans. Their pre-order of our electric trucks provides an opportunity to demonstrate our technology's effectiveness in real-world conditions. We are currently focused on establishing our manufacturing plant to commence production. This collaboration not only validates our technology but also positions us as a key player in the electric trucking industry.

Can you elaborate on how Tresa Motors has utilized AI expertise to enhance its efficiency and performance in the trucks?

We've leveraged our expertise in AI to enhance the efficiency and performance of our trucks. Our vehicles are equipped with LIDAR and camera sensors, utilizing proprietary sensing technology to analyze their environment in real-time. This advanced system optimizes energy consumption, predicts road conditions, and prioritizes driver safety. Our background in AI allows us to integrate hardware and software efficiently, ensuring our systems remain at the forefront of intelligent transportation technology.

Recently, Tresa Motor's introduced a new model V0.2; what led to the introduction of the new model? Can you provide an overview of the key features and innovations introduced in the new V0.2 electric truck by Tresa Motors? Can you provide details on the motor’s controllers, battery manufacturers and platform.

V0.2 features cutting-edge innovations such as centralized computing, 800V modular batteries, and advanced telemetry systems. Unlike traditional vehicles with multiple ECUs, we've integrated these functions into a centralized architecture powered by NVIDIA GPU-driven computing units. The comprehensive telematics system streams over 500 monitoring points to the cloud, enabling real-time performance and efficiency analytics. These features collectively offer a sustainable, reliable, and efficient logistics solution, particularly suited for e-commerce transportation.

How do Tresa Motors' electric trucks contribute to enhancing fleet performance and efficiency for JFK Transporters? Can you provide the delivery schedule planned.

The partnership with JFK Transporters allows us to demonstrate the real-world benefits of our electric trucks. These vehicles are expected to enhance JFK's fleet performance through improved energy efficiency, reduced maintenance requirements, and advanced telemetry capabilities. This collaboration provides an opportunity to showcase our engineering expertise and set new standards in the industry.

 When will the trucks be commercialized in the Indian market?

We are currently conducting extensive field trials, targeting a cumulative distance of 1 million kilometers across various weather conditions and terrains. This rigorous testing phase is crucial to ensure the durability and reliability of our trucks in diverse operating conditions. We plan to launch our final product in 2026, starting with an 18-ton model for logistics applications, followed by a 55-ton variant for heavy industries. This phased approach allows us to refine our offerings and ensure they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability before commercial release.