Musashi Auto Parts Ventures into EV Component Manufacturing!

As India’s electric vehicle (EV) market surges, particularly in the two- and three-wheeler segments, Musashi Auto Parts India (MAP-ID), a Japanese Tier-1 supplier, is diversifying into EV component production. Known for its transmission gears and differential assemblies for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, MAP-ID is now focusing on e-axle production to meet the rising demand from the EV sector, which has seen record sales in 2024.

In June 2024, MAP-ID began large-scale e-axle production for electric two-wheelers at its Bengaluru facility. This initiative is part of the Musashi Delta e-Axle India joint venture with Delta Electronics (Netherlands) and Toyota Tsusho (Japan).

Currently, MAP-ID supplies e-axles to two key clients:

• BNC Motors, based in Coimbatore, which integrates the e-axles into its Perfetto e-scooter for personal mobility.
• Emobi, a Bengaluru-based manufacturer using the e-axles for last-mile delivery vehicles.

The Bengaluru plant has an annual production capacity of 100,000 e-axles, with plans to double output by 2026 to align with market demand. By 2030, MAP-ID targets production of one million e-axles annually, supporting India’s ambitious goal of electrifying 80% of its two-wheeler market by the end of the decade.

Naoya Nishimura, CEO of MAP-ID, highlighted the company’s strategy:
“While ICE two-wheelers will remain relevant in the premium motorcycle segment, the sub-100cc category is transitioning rapidly to EVs. Our aim is to align production capabilities with these shifting market demands.”

MAP-ID is positioning itself as a comprehensive EV systems provider, offering a locally-produced e-axle that integrates a gearbox, e-motor, and electric drive unit into a compact, lightweight module. This reflects the company’s emphasis on high-value, innovative EV components.

Currently, two-wheelers contribute 60-70% of MAP-ID’s business, with major clients including Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, Suzuki Motorcycle India, and Yamaha Motor India. In the passenger vehicle sector, MAP-ID serves prominent manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Honda Cars India, and Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

The transition into EV components marks a significant expansion of MAP-ID’s portfolio, capturing the growing opportunities in India’s evolving automotive landscape and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.