As the EV sector accelerates- from startups building next-gen drivetrains to legacy OEMs pivoting to electrification- investors are pouring capital into technologies that promise scale, sustainability, and disruption. Yet, beneath the surface of pitch decks and glossy prototypes lies a critical layer often overlooked: Technical Due Diligence (TDD)
TDD is not just a checkbox-it’s a strategic lens that evaluates the feasibility, scalability, and risks of EV technologies, systems, and infrastructure. Whether it’s battery chemistries, BMS algorithms, charging protocols, or thermal management systems, understanding the technical backbone is essential for:
- De-risking investments
- Validating product-market fit
- Ensuring regulatory and operational readiness
- Aligning engineering realities with business models
This webinar bought together voices from consulting, industry, and investment to decode how TDD can be a game-changer for capital deployment, strategic partnerships, and long-term value creation in the EV space.
Topics Covered in the Webinar:
- What constitutes robust Technical Due Diligence (TDD) in the EV domain
- Common red flags in EV technologies—battery safety, BMS logic, integration risks
- Tools & frameworks used in TDD (e.g., TRL, FMEA, system-level audits)
- How TDD influences investment decisions, deal structuring, and post-investment strategy
- Preparing for TDD: internal processes, documentation, and readiness
- Collaboration between startups, consultants, and investors during TDD
- Expectations from a TDD report—clarity, depth, and actionability
- How TDD varies across EV segments: OEMs, charging infra, battery tech, fleet platforms
- Impact of skipping TDD—valuation risks, scalability issues, and operational setbacks
- Strategic role of TDD in aligning engineering realities with business models
Key Insights:
• TDD is a strategic enabler for EV investments—not just a technical checklist. It helps investors identify scalable, compliant, and field-ready solutions while avoiding flashy but fragile prototypes.
• Product reliability and manufacturing resilience are top investor priorities. They look for validated engineering, robust supply chains, and readiness for scale—not just innovation on paper.
• Successful fundraising stories (e.g., Indian e-scooter OEM and Delhi-based commercial EV firm) were backed by strong TDD frameworks that built investor confidence and operational credibility.
• Common failure points in EV startups include poor benchmarking, unrealistic cost models, weak internal controls, and lack of regulatory compliance—many of which could be flagged early through TDD.
• TDD covers three pillars: Product (performance, specs, compliance), Process (design, testing, manufacturing), and Strategic Fit (IP, market alignment, investor goals).
• Engineering depth matters—from motor efficiency maps and BMS logic to torque control and end-of-line testing. TDD evaluates not just what’s built, but how it’s built and validated.
• Stakeholder trust is built through structured TDD: NDAs, controlled data sharing, and transparent evaluation protocols help both investors and target companies engage meaningfully.
• Policy and compliance risks—like subsidy misuse or non-localized components—can derail deals. TDD helps ensure alignment with FAME, CMVR, and ESG standards.
• TDD improves internal discipline for startups. It pushes teams to refine documentation, testing protocols, and vendor relationships—often accelerating product maturity.
• The broader impact of TDD is ecosystem-level: it fosters transparency, reduces deployment risks, improves cost efficiency, and strengthens India’s EV transition with trusted, scalable solutions