VCU suppliers for light electric vehicles in India

Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) in modern electric vehicles (EVs) are central to managing and coordinating various subsystems within EVs, enhancing performance and safety. They oversee functions such as battery management, motor control, regenerative braking, and overall powertrain efficiency, ensuring a seamless and reliable driving experience. Additionally, VCUs are designed to be adaptable, allowing for future upgrades and the integration of smart features throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.

Several companies in India are engaged in developing and supplying Vehicle Control Units (VCUs) for electric vehicles. These firms offer a range of solutions catering to different segments of the EV market. Below is an overview of some of the key VCU suppliers operating in the country.

• Indigrid Technologies

The company develops automotive electronics solutions, including Vehicle Control Units (VCUs). It manufactures electrical and powertrain components, such as motor control units and VCUs, primarily for two-wheelers.

Location – IMT Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana

• Dorleco

Dorleco offers automotive-grade Vehicle Control Units (VCUs), notably the SmartCase Pro, ISO 26262 ASIL D compliant and EMC certified. It features a multicore processor and supports communication protocols such as CAN, CAN FD, and CANopen. It also complies with the AUTOSAR Classic standard. [Unit shown in cover image taken from Dorleco website].

Location – Pune, Maharashtra

• Electra EV

Electra EV provides indigenously designed Vehicle Control Units (VCUs) that feature advanced control strategies for charging management, high voltage coordination, and thermal regulation. These VCUs are developed in line with ISO 26262 functional safety standards and support protocols such as SAE J1939, ISO 11898 CAN, and ISO 14229-1 UDS.

Location – Pune, Maharashtra

• Saietta VNA

It is a joint venture between the UK-based Saietta Group and India’s Padmini VNA Mechatronics, established to manufacture electric vehicle components in India. Saietta VNA primarily manufactures electric motors and inverters for lightweight electric vehicles. They are also expanding into VCU production through their collaboration with HCLTech, manufacturing based in India.

Location – New Delhi

• Sterling Gtake E-Mobility Ltd. (SGEM)

Based in Faridabad, Haryana, SGEM focuses primarily on Motor Control Units (MCUs) for a wide range of electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), passenger cars (PCVs), and heavy commercial vehicles (HCVs). While the company’s core portfolio centers around MCUs, it has indicated plans to share details about its Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) offerings soon. The company’s website is currently being updated to reflect its latest product developments.

Location – Faridabad, Haryana

• Vecmocon

Vecmocon provides a variety of EV components such as Battery Management Systems (BMS), motor controllers, instrument clusters, and vehicle intelligence modules. Its Vehicle Intelligence Module (VIM) supports key operational features like data monitoring and performance tracking. While a dedicated VCU product is not explicitly listed, the company’s offerings suggest capabilities that align with broader vehicle control functionalities.

Location – New Delhi

• Accolade

With offices in Pune and Bengaluru, Accolade provides digital mobility solutions, including OEM telematics and DC-DC converters. While a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) is not currently listed among its offerings, the company is active in the EV technology space and is expected to expand its portfolio to include VCUs in the near future.

Location – Pune, Maharashtra & Bengaluru, Karnataka

• KritiKal Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

KritiKal Solutions develops customized low-voltage Vehicle Control Units (VCUs) for electric and hybrid vehicles. These VCUs manage various functions, including lighting system control, anti-theft features, and sensor signal reading.

Location – Noida, Uttar Pradesh

• CG Power and Industrial Solutions Ltd.

Supplies Train Communication Network (TCN)-based Vehicle Control Units (VCUs) for railway transportation, adhering to IEC standards, specifically IEC 61375. These VCUs are designed to manage and control various locomotive subsystems, ensuring efficient communication and operation within the train network. CG Power’s TCN-based VCUs interface with multiple subsystems, including auxiliary converters, driver cabs, pneumatic blocks, and train buses for multi-unit operations. They also handle functions such as power supply control, monitoring of locomotive auxiliary systems, and supervision of overall train performance.

Location – Mumbai, Maharashtra

• Sloki Software Technologies

Specializes in developing master controllers for electric vehicles, specifically Vehicle Control Units (VCUs) that manage driver inputs and torque calculations. Their VCUs receive driver inputs, calculate the required torque, and communicate this information to the Motor Control Unit (MCU). Additionally, these VCUs handle various functions such as lighting control, sensor signal processing, theft protection, and can be equipped with Wi-Fi and GPS for fleet management applications. They are designed for 2, 3, and 4-wheeler electric vehicle applications, adhering to ASIL-QM standards and offering features like IP67 protection and smart power management.

Location – Bengaluru, Karnataka

• ConnectM

ConnectM offers a Digital Control Unit (DCU) that integrates the instrument cluster, Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), and telematics into a single system, simplifying vehicle technology and enhancing connectivity. The DCU includes smart features such as mobile app-controlled speed limits and safety measures, including movement restrictions during charging and overheating alerts.

Location- Marlborough, Massachusetts (USA); Bengaluru, Karnataka (India office)

• Embitel Technologies

Embitel Technologies offers Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) accelerator solutions specifically designed for electric vehicles. Their VCU accelerator solution is 80% pre-built, ASIL-C compliant, and aims to reduce time-to-market by up to 40%. This ready-to-deploy platform is highly adaptable, allowing for customization to meet specific requirements, including powertrain coordination, advanced diagnostics, and security protocols. By leveraging optimized software and hardware configurations, Embitel’s VCU solutions ensure fast response times and seamless coordination between various Electronic Control Units (ECUs) within the vehicle.

Location – Bengaluru, Karnataka

In addition to the key suppliers listed above, several other companies in India are also active in the broader electric vehicle components space and expanding into the VCU space.

Also read: A brief note on the vehicle control unit (VCU)