The transition towards electric mobility has presented both challenges and opportunities for NBC Bearings. As the automotive industry aligns towards electrification and hybrids, the role of bearings is evolving beyond their traditional function. Dr Lokesh Agrawal, Chief Technology Officer at National Engineering Industries Ltd (NBC Bearings), explains how electrification has changed the dynamics of bearing design and production.
On one hand, electric vehicles (EVs) demand fewer bearings compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, posing a potential reduction in volume. However, the integration of sensors into bearings is increasing their value and functionality. These sensors help monitor rotation speed, diagnose failures, and enhance safety features, aligning with the growing digitalisation of vehicles. The added intelligence in bearings means manufacturers can now contribute to predictive maintenance, improving vehicle reliability and efficiency.
The rising demand for low-friction and high-efficiency components has also led NBC Bearings to invest in mechatronics. 'While material science continues to evolve, the bigger shift is towards intelligent bearings that can communicate with the vehicle’s control systems,' says Agrawal. Bearings are no longer just mechanical components; they are now integral to the vehicle’s performance optimisation and predictive analytics.
Reducing Friction, Lowering Emissions
With stricter emission norms and the global push towards sustainability, NBC Bearings is prioritising low-friction solutions. “Friction reduction is no longer just about fuel efficiency; it directly impacts carbon emissions,” explains Rajesh Premchandran, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer (CSMO) at NBC Bearings. The company is developing coatings and internal geometries that reduce energy losses, ultimately contributing to lower carbon footprints.
NBC Bearings has conducted internal studies showing that reducing friction by just 1% across its 50 million annual bearing production is equivalent to saving a full day’s worth of electricity consumption for the state of Rajasthan. This highlights the critical role that precision engineering can play in the broader sustainability agenda.
Beyond low-friction solutions, NBC Bearings is also investing in sustainable manufacturing practices. The company has integrated solar power into its facilities and focuses on water conservation, especially given its operations in Rajasthan, where water resources are limited. However, larger sustainability challenges remain. 'The transition to circular economy principles, such as reusable packaging and green steel adoption, will require industry-wide collaboration,' says Premchandran.
Bearings In Regenerative Braking & Electric Powertrains
EVs rely on regenerative braking systems to recover energy, and while bearings do not directly impact regeneration, their efficiency plays an indirect role. “Lower rolling resistance in bearings allows for greater overall system efficiency, ensuring that more energy is available for regeneration rather than being lost to friction,” explains Agrawal.
As EV production scales up, NBC Bearings is preparing for increased demand, particularly in the two- and three-wheeler segments. The company sees strong potential in commercial EVs, particularly last-mile delivery applications, which are driving adoption in urban areas. However, widespread EV adoption in rural markets remains a challenge due to infrastructure gaps and consumer preferences.
While NBC Bearings is expanding its electric vehicle portfolio, Premchandran acknowledges that the segment is still relatively small compared to traditional automotive markets. “The real value for us is in early technological adoption. Being at the forefront of EV-specific solutions gives us a competitive edge in global markets,” he says.
Growth In Industrial & Rail Sectors
NBC Bearings is also diversifying its business beyond automotive applications. The company has identified three key growth areas: exports, rail, and industrial applications. India’s strong position as a manufacturing hub is attracting new customers, and NBC Bearings is capitalising on this by expanding its global reach.
Rail remains a strong sector for the company, with ongoing investments in high-performance bearings for locomotives and rolling stock. Industrial applications, though currently a smaller segment, present long-term growth potential. The company is actively working on new product lines to cater to industries such as construction, mining, and heavy engineering.
The Road Ahead
NBC Bearings sees a clear advantage in India’s transparency, governance, and long-term business relationships. “Global customers are increasingly recognising the reliability of Indian suppliers, not just in terms of cost but also in ethics and sustainability,” says Premchandran.
As the industry moves towards stricter emission norms and greater emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, NBC Bearings is preparing for the next wave of changes. The company is actively monitoring developments such as Euro 7 and Bharat Stage 7 regulations, which will impact bearing design requirements.
The path to sustainability is complex, particularly when it comes to supply chain decarbonisation. “For industries like ours, where steel is a major raw material, the transition to green steel is critical. However, if steel manufacturers are not ready, there is little we can do,” says Agrawal. NBC Bearings is engaging with suppliers and customers to navigate these challenges and ensure that its products align with future regulatory requirements.
Also Read:
NEI Plans To Have Bearings For The Aviation Sector Starting FY22