For the Avinya line of high-end electric vehicles, Tata Motors has changed its approach. For the Avinya EV vehicles, the domestic automaker will employ Chery-JLR’s (CJLR) Freelander platform. For the Avinya models, this platform will take the role of the previously intended JLR Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA). The Tata Avinya X, which is scheduled to go on sale sometime next year, is anticipated to be the first vehicle to use this technology.
Following the cancellation of the automaker’s first deal with Jaguar Land Rover, Reuters claimed that the Freelander platform from Chery for the electric vehicles under Tata’s luxury Avinya brand highlights the reliance on Chinese technology.
This approach is anticipated to reduce development times and increase the OEM’s cost competitiveness, which will accelerate the release of high-end electric vehicles. It’s interesting to note that the Avinya EV is still Tata Motors’ long-delayed program, even though it was demonstrated in the nation quite some time ago. The business hopes to get it back on track soon with this updated technology plan.
According to the article, Tata stated that the business will use the Freelander platform created in a joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover in China, with the vehicles being constructed at its recently established Tamil Nadu facility.
The Chery-JLR platform for Tata Avinya is intriguing because, although Chinese automakers are still generally excluded from India, the world’s third-largest auto market, their technology is subtly becoming more difficult to escape as domestic automakers rely on it to remain competitive in the global EV race.
Tata Avinya X to get CJLR Freelander platform first
In 2027, the first Avinya model based on the CJLR Freelander platform is anticipated to go on sale. It will be assembled in India after being transported from China via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route. In addition, Tata Motors is attempting to localize the EV’s components in order to lower its costs.
The second Avinya-branded electric vehicle is scheduled for release in 2029 after the first model. According to reports, Tata Motors has disclosed that there will be two more vehicles after that, bringing the total number of potential products under the Avinya brand to four.
Regarding the premium EV sub-brand, Avinya is being developed as a worldwide premium brand, according to Tata Motors. A key component of that will be cooperation with JLR and its partners. However, Chery has stated that Tata Motors will use the Chinese automaker as a supplier.
It’s interesting to note that JLR, which is controlled by Tata, has continued to be Chery’s long-term partner. Under its revived Freelander brand, JLR hired the Chinese OEM in 2024 to research and produce electric vehicles, including hybrids and EVs.
Tata intends to develop an indigenous platform
For the future Avinya EVs, Tata Motors is using the Freelander platform built by CJLR as a temporary solution to shorten the time it takes to launch new models. Without new products, Tata Motors runs the risk of losing its dominant position in the Indian market for electric vehicles.
Currently, 14% of Tata’s total sales are electric vehicles; by 2030, that percentage is expected to more than double to 30%. In order to achieve this, Tata Motors plans to eventually create its own specialized car platform in addition to using the Freelander chassis.
