Author: Mr. Anand Kulkarni, Chief Products Officer, Head of HV Programs and Customer
Service, at Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd.
The narrative around the purchase proposition for electric vehicles (EVs) is evolving. While earlier
discussions revolved around vehicle range, today the focus for EVs has shifted to the value the product
brings to the table. EVs are being appreciated for what they have to offer rather than how many kilometers
they can travel. With advancements in EV technology and smart connectivity, features have now taken center
stage. From real-time management and individualized experiences to effortless digital integration, these
developments redefine owning and driving an electric vehicle. Today, traveling is no longer about arriving
at the destination; it’s about all that occurs along the way—and even before and after the journey.
From Utility to Intelligence: How Remote Access is Redefining Daily Interaction
Smart connectivity has moved EV ownership from a passive experience to an active, intelligent interaction. One of the most significant changes has come from remote access functionality, which allows individuals to monitor and control their vehicles. For instance, the remote pre-conditioning of cabin temperature. This capability allows EV owners to preheat or pre-cool the EV beforehand, ensuring a pleasant temperature as soon as they get into the vehicle.
Battery management is another area where remote access shines. Real-time visibility into charging status and battery levels gives users confidence without keeping them guessing and stressed. Whether they are at home, at the office, or on the go, they can schedule their usage and charging sessions with precision. Even now, many EVs enable users to schedule charging during off-peak hours. This not only saves on electricity expenses but also meets energy efficiency standards. Owners install it once and can rely on the system to do it from then on.
Integrating Lifestyles: When Vehicles Become Part of the Digital Home
Beyond their remote access capability, EVs are increasingly integrated into the digital lives of users. They're no longer solitary machines. Rather, they are becoming gadgets on wheels connected to a wider digital ecosystem. Intelligent EVs can now communicate with home automation systems. A user heading home can instruct the vehicle to alert others of their arrival, turn on home lights, power up appliances, or set the temperature in the cabin even before entering. The automobile is now a point of trigger, with convenience and customization at each step. This convergence of mobility and digital life is making EVs lifestyle enablers.
Designing the Experience: Intelligent Interfaces and Adaptive Ecosystems
As EVs become more integrated, so does the experience inside them. EVs now are not only modes of transportation—they're intelligent, responsive spaces that learn about your routines and lifestyle in real time, making every drive more personal and connected. Voice-enabled assistants have become a core part of this development. With a mere voice command, drivers can navigate, place calls, play music, or even monitor vehicle status—without ever having to take their hands off the wheel. This reduces distractions and provides a safer, more intuitive interface.
Infotainment systems are no longer static. Over-the-air (OTA) upgrades ensure that the software remains up to date, adding new features and refinements without a visit to the service center. This keeps the vehicle aligned with the changing user expectations and technological developments. Dashboards, driver profiles, and adaptive display settings that can be further tailored allow for personalization. Every time an owner steps into the vehicle, it readjusts to preference—seat position, preferred radio station, or climate control. Such continuity builds comfort and an emotional bond with the vehicle.
Enabling Smarter Ownership Models Through Data and Connectivity
The value of smart connectivity is extending beyond convenience. It is creating a new world of ownership behaviors that are predictive, adaptable, and aligned with individual usage habits. EVs can now take care of themselves. By continuous analysis of data, they can warn users of pending maintenance requirements or even identify faults before they become severe. This proactive approach reduces downtime, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and ensures maximum safety.
Driving behavior is also being recorded in useful ways. Information like acceleration patterns, braking inclinations, or usage can be used to personalize services. For instance, insurance companies are exploring usage-based coverage, offering even more reasonable premiums based on observed driving habits. Similarly, collections of services can be established in coordination with trip destinations or usage frequency, thereby optimizing them and making them cost-saving and savvy.
Subscription models are also emerging, facilitated by these smart systems. Some of the features, software updates, or even higher-end driver-assistance tools are available to users on a subscription basis, subject to requirements and affordability.
Conclusion
Smart connectivity is transforming the EV ownership experience in deep ways. From remote command and digital convergence to smart interfaces and predictive repair, the emphasis has changed. Beyond the distance an EV can travel on a single charge, the focus is now about how much it can do, how well it integrates into our lives, and how smartly it adapts with us. As technology keeps improving, EVs will not only be along for the ride — they will make every experience better.
Published: 30 June 2025 | PC Quest
