In a significant development, Tata Motors is in advanced talks with Chinese automaker Chery for a platform licensing deal to accelerate its long-delayed premium electric vehicle programme under the Avinya brand.
This partnership marks a strategic shift for India’s largest electric vehicle maker, which was originally planning to use Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) for its premium EVs. That plan faced delays, prompting Tata to explore faster alternatives.
According to reports, Tata Motors will license Chery’s advanced electric vehicle platform — specifically the Freelander platform developed through the Chery-Jaguar Land Rover joint venture in China. Key details of the arrangement include:
- Local assembly of Avinya models at Tata’s newly opened state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.
- The first Avinya model is targeted for launch in 2027.
- Vehicles will initially be shipped from China as kits (CKD) and assembled in India, with efforts already underway to increase localisation.
- Plans for at least two premium EV models under the Avinya brand.
The platform is expected to offer advanced features such as an 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging and a minimum driving range of over 500 km.
This move allows Tata Motors to bring premium electric vehicles to the Indian market faster while it continues developing its own long-term platforms. It also strengthens collaboration between Tata Motors and JLR, as the Freelander platform carries JLR DNA through the joint venture.Tata Motors stated that “Avinya is being developed as a global premium brand” and that collaboration with JLR and its partners will play a key role in its premium EV journey.
The partnership adds an interesting Chinese dimension to India’s electric mobility story. While Tata has built a strong domestic EV ecosystem with models like the Nexon EV, Curvv EV, and Harrier EV, the premium segment requires cutting-edge technology and faster development timelines to compete with global rivals.
This deal underscores the complex realities of the global automotive industry, where even established players leverage international platforms and technology to maintain leadership in a highly competitive and rapidly evolving market.
The collaboration is expected to help Tata Motors defend its dominant position in India’s EV market against growing competition from Mahindra, Hyundai, MG, and international entrants.
