Beyond the Headlines: How India’s Auto Ancillaries Are Powering the Global EV Revolution

India’s auto component giants are securing pivotal roles in the global electric vehicle supply chain, moving far beyond domestic “Make in India” goals. Five companies stand out: Sona BLW dominates critical e-driveline components (e-axles, motors) with a massive, export-heavy EV order book. Samvardhana Motherson leverages its global manufacturing network and tech partnerships to supply essential EV wiring, electronics, and integrated systems worldwide.

 Sundram Fasteners provides vital precision components for major international EV programs like GM’s. Endurance Technologies excels in lightweight aluminium castings and specialized EV braking systems, winning significant European contracts. Ramkrishna Forgings is strategically diversifying into aluminium forgings specifically for EV structural needs. Collectively, their billion-dollar global deals signal India’s emergence as a high-quality engineering and manufacturing hub for essential EV technologies, attracting serious investor attention despite inherent execution and scaling challenges.

Beyond the Headlines: How India’s Auto Ancillaries Are Powering the Global EV Revolution 

The “Make in India” initiative isn’t just about domestic production anymore; it’s rapidly becoming a launchpad for Indian manufacturers to dominate global supply chains, particularly in the red-hot electric vehicle (EV) sector. While headlines tout India’s ambitious domestic EV targets (80 million vehicles by 2030!), a quieter, multi-billion dollar story is unfolding: Indian auto component giants are winning massive international contracts, becoming indispensable players in the global EV ecosystem. 

Here are the five companies leading this charge, transforming from domestic suppliers into global EV powerhouses: 

• Sona BLW Precision Forgings: The E-Driveline Leader 

• Core EV Arsenal: E-axles, traction motors, differential assemblies – the vital organs of EV propulsion. 

• Global Footprint: Dominates the EV differential assembly market in North America and ranks highly in Europe. Their Q1 FY26 order book stood at a staggering Rs 26,200 crore, with 75% dedicated to EV programs, primarily for export. 

• Strategy: Focuses on high-value, platform-agnostic components (works across many vehicle models). Actively diversifying into lightweight structures and integrated systems. Scaling capacity in Mexico and India while investing heavily in R&D for next-gen motors and e-axles. Aims for >80% EV order share and 50% EV revenue by FY28. 

• Human Insight: Sona BLW exemplifies the shift from traditional forgings to complex, high-margin EV powertrain systems. Their platform-independent strategy is key to scalability and reducing risk. 

• Samvardhana Motherson: The Integrated Systems Architect 

• Core EV Arsenal: Wiring harnesses, power electronics, interior modules (like sunshades), camera systems – the nervous system and user interface of EVs. 

• Global Footprint: Leverages its massive “globally local” manufacturing network to serve major OEMs worldwide. Securing significant business from both traditional automakers pivoting to EVs and new entrants, including Chinese EV makers expanding into Europe and Southeast Asia. 

• Strategy: Strategic partnerships (e.g., Egtronics for power electronics, Macauto for lightweight interiors) to enhance EV offerings. Shifting focus to high-value modules and integrated systems tailored for EVs. Vision 2030 heavily emphasizes EV, clean mobility (including hydrogen), and adjacent tech like semiconductor equipment. 

• Human Insight: Motherson demonstrates how established component integrators can pivot by leveraging existing global infrastructure and forging smart tech partnerships, capturing more value per EV vehicle. 

• Sundram Fasteners: The Precision Enabler 

• Core EV Arsenal: Precision fasteners, powertrain sub-assemblies – the critical, often overlooked components holding everything together. 

• Global Footprint: Key supplier for GM’s new EVs (contributing >Rs 250 crore in FY26), gearing up for delayed Stellantis EV programs. Strong presence in North America, expanding in Europe/UK. Actively involved in new EV architectures for existing OEM customers. 

• Strategy: Maintaining flexible capacity to serve ICE, hybrid, and pure EV demand simultaneously. Leveraging expertise in precision manufacturing for both legacy parts and new EV-specific designs. Diversifying customer base geographically. 

• Human Insight: Sundram highlights that the EV transition isn’t just about radical new tech; it also relies on perfected, high-precision manufacturing of fundamental components, an area where established players excel. 

• Endurance Technologies: The Lightweighting & Braking Specialist 

• Core EV Arsenal: Aluminium die-castings (critical for weight reduction), braking systems, suspension components, battery packs, Battery Management Systems (BMS). 

• Global Footprint: Secured €94 million in dedicated European EV orders (41% of recent wins). Key supplier to Stellantis, Daimler, VW Group (Audi, Porsche) for new EV components. Strong domestic EV order book (Rs 1,017 crore) with major Indian OEMs. 

• Strategy: Heavy investment in new capacity: lithium-ion battery pack plant in Pune, expansion in aluminium casting, braking, and alloy wheels. Developing proprietary EV braking solutions. Actively pursuing bulk orders driven by new safety regulations. 

• Human Insight: Endurance showcases the importance of lightweight materials (aluminium) and specialized EV systems (braking, battery packs) beyond just the motor. Their dual strength in domestic and international markets is a significant advantage. 

• Ramkrishna Forgings: Forging a New Path in Aluminium 

• Core EV Arsenal: Traditionally ferrous forgings, now launching into aluminium forged components for EVs (structural parts). 

• Global Footprint: Significant export focus (Rs 502 crore of Q1 FY26 orders). Won direct orders from a major American OEM for passenger car components. Targeting Europe as a primary growth driver alongside North America. 

• Strategy: Major diversification into aluminium forging (3,000-tonne press line) specifically for EV applications (revenue expected from Oct 2025). Expanding overall forging capacity (8,000-tonne line). Establishing machining operations in Mexico to serve the US market. Aiming for European revenue parity with North America by FY27. 

• Human Insight: Ramkrishna illustrates how traditional forging specialists are adapting, investing in new materials (aluminium) and processes to remain relevant and competitive in the lighter-weight EV era. 

The Bigger Picture: Opportunity Meets Execution 

This surge isn’t accidental. It’s the result of converging factors: India’s engineering talent, cost competitiveness, improving quality standards, government push (“Make in India”, PLI schemes), and a global auto industry desperate to diversify supply chains away from over-reliance on single regions. These companies are moving beyond simple parts to supplying complex sub-systems and modules. 

Why Investors Are Watching (Cautiously): 

The potential is enormous, but challenges remain: 

• Execution Risk: Scaling complex manufacturing to meet global quality and delivery timelines is non-trivial. 

• Capital Intensity: Significant investments are needed for capacity and R&D; managing debt and cash flow is crucial. 

• Margin Pressure: Intense global competition and potential commodity price swings could squeeze profitability. 

• Customer Concentration: Heavy reliance on a few large OEMs is a risk (though diversification is a stated goal for many). 

• Policy Dependence: Continued government support and stable policies are vital. 

The Bottom Line: 

India’s auto component sector is undergoing a profound transformation. These five companies are at the forefront, proving that “Make in India” can mean “Made in India for the World” in the critical EV space. They are no longer just suppliers; they are becoming strategic partners to global automotive giants in the electric future. Their success is a key indicator of India’s burgeoning manufacturing prowess and its ability to carve out a dominant position in one of the world’s most significant industrial transitions. While risks exist, their billion-dollar deals signal a fundamental shift in the global automotive supply chain, with India firmly in the driver’s seat for key EV components.