Tata and JSW Pledge $1 Billion to Power India’s EV and Battery Future

Tata Group and JSW Group are jointly planning nearly $1 billion in investments to build India’s domestic EV and battery technology capabilities, with Tata’s Agratas unit focusing on advanced lithium chemistries in Bengaluru and JSW Motors establishing a $500 million R&D hub in Maharashtra.

Key Details

• Total Investment: ~$1 billion (₹8,300 crore).
• Tata Group (Agratas Ltd.):
  • Spending $400+ million on a new R&D facility in Bengaluru.
  • Focus: Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) chemistries.
  • Goal: Reduce reliance on Chinese imports, build domestic IP, and support Tata’s upcoming gigafactory in Gujarat.
• JSW Group (JSW Motors Ltd.):
  • Investing $500 million over 5–6 years in a Maharashtra research hub.
  • Focus: Localizing EV designs, proprietary software, and connected vehicle technologies.
  • Aim: Strengthen India’s EV ecosystem and reduce dependence on foreign tech.

Strategic Significance

• Reducing China Dependence: Both conglomerates are targeting chemistries and systems currently sourced from China, aligning with India’s push for “chemistry sovereignty.”
• Domestic Capability: Batteries are the costliest and most complex EV component; local R&D will help India secure supply chains and intellectual property.
• Global Context: China is tightening controls on advanced tech exports amid trade tensions, making domestic innovation critical for India’s EV future.

Comparison of Tata vs JSW Plans

Company	Investment	Location	Focus Areas	Strategic Goal
Tata Agratas Ltd.	$400M+	Bengaluru	LFP & LMFP battery chemistries	Build IP, support gigafactory, reduce China reliance
JSW Motors Ltd.	$500M	Maharashtra	EV localization, software, connected vehicles	Domestic EV systems, exportable designs

Risks & Challenges

• Technology Scaling: Transitioning lab R&D into mass manufacturing is capital-intensive and risky.
• Supply Chain: Securing critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, manganese) remains a challenge.
• Global Competition: India must compete with established EV hubs in China, South Korea, and Europe.

Why This Matters

• Strengthens India’s EV supply chain resilience.
• Supports India’s 2030 target of 500 GW non‑fossil fuel capacity.
• Positions Tata and JSW as leaders in domestic EV innovation, reducing vulnerability to external shocks.

JSW Group has forged multiple partnerships in the EV and automotive space, including a joint venture with MG Motor India (SAIC), a technology transfer agreement with China’s Chery Automobile, and a strategic alliance with Tata Elxsi to build connected, software‑defined mobility solutions. These collaborations position JSW as a new challenger in India’s fast‑growing EV market.

Tata Group has built a wide EV ecosystem through partnerships across charging, components, and battery technology—working with Tata Power, Tata AutoComp Systems, and Agratas—while also collaborating with global players like Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) to accelerate electrification.

Luminous Power Technologies Launches First Lithium-Ion Battery Assembly Line in Himachal Pradesh

Luminous Power Technologies, India’s leading consumer energy fulfillment company, has inaugurated its first lithium-ion battery assembly line at Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. This new assembly line marks an important milestone in Luminous’ long-term journey of strengthening advanced energy storage capabilities and reinforces the organisation’s commitment to adopting the latest next-generation energy solutions.

The newly inaugurated Lithium-ion assembly line has a production capacity of 500 MWh and integrates advanced robotic automation with precision-led manufacturing processes to ensure high standards of quality, safety, and performance across lithium-ion battery packs.

Inauguration of LiB Assembly Line

Rajiv Ganju, Sr. Vice President, Manufacturing & Global Supply Chain, Luminous Power Technologies, said, “At Luminous, manufacturing is a core pillar of our brand promise to deliver reliable, high-quality energy solutions at scale. The inauguration of this advanced lithium-ion battery assembly line strengthens our integrated manufacturing and global supply chain capabilities, while reinforcing our focus on precision, localisation, and future-ready operations. This facility reflects how we are building resilient, technology-led manufacturing ecosystems to support India’s evolving energy needs.”

The new assembly line can manufacture standalone lithium-ion battery packs, stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and automotive battery packs for e-rickshaw applications. The facility supports a capacity range from 1.2 KWh to 16 KWh for single battery packs, with system-level scalability up to 1 MWh, enabling diverse use cases across residential, commercial & industrial, and electric mobility segments. The assembly line also features end-to-end digital traceability of every battery pack, fully aligned with the latest Battery Aadhaar requirements, enabling complete lifecycle tracking and strengthening regulatory compliance, transparency, and consumer confidence.

Luminous LiB Assembly Line at Baddi Himachal Pradesh

Ganesh Moorthi, Chief Technology Officer, Luminous Power Technologies, said, “The new lithium-ion battery assembly line marks the beginning of a long-term journey for Luminous as we continue to strengthen our capabilities in next-generation energy technologies. Designed to support standalone battery packs, stationary BESS, and e-rickshaw applications, the facility integrates advanced automation with multiple first-of-its-kind quality evaluation technologies. Combined with end-to-end digital tracking aligned with the latest Battery Aadhaar requirements, this assembly line enables us to deliver lithium-ion solutions that meet high standards of safety, reliability, and performance while remaining scalable for future needs.”

Beyond manufacturing excellence, the Lithium-ion assembly line contributes meaningfully to Luminous’ sustainability objectives. The new Assembly line will play a critical enabling role by supporting renewable energy storage, reducing carbon emissions through EV and grid applications, improving manufacturing efficiency through automation, and supporting circular economy practices through recycling and reuse of battery components.

The new assembly line is expected to generate employment, contributing to local economic development in the region. The operationalization of the lithium-ion battery assembly line is an important step towards strengthening the brand position as a full-stack consumer energy fulfillment company, supporting India’s transition towards cleaner, more efficient, and future-ready energy systems.

About Luminous Power Technologies

Luminous Power Technologies is a leading provider of energy solutions, dedicated to advancing India’s clean energy shift with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. As the demand for reliable, clean, and efficient power increases, especially among residential consumers, Luminous, as a consumer energy fulfillment company, meets the changing energy needs of millions of households and businesses worldwide.

With a legacy spanning over 38 years, Luminous has built a robust presence in the energy and residential solar space. Its wide portfolio of innovative products, including inverters, batteries, and best-in-class solar solutions, is designed to provide the end-to-end energy management ecosystem with reliability, safety, and efficiency. The company operates seven state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, supported by an expansive network of over 28 sales offices and 100,000 channel partners across India. Today, Luminous powers over 100 million Indian homes and is expanding its reach globally, with a presence in more than 40 international markets.

How the Global Battery Crisis Is Testing India’s EV Dreams

As the world races toward electrification, a storm is brewing in the heart of the battery industry. What began as a global supply chain shuffle has now ballooned into a full-blown crisis—affecting prices, innovation, and policy strategies worldwide. And for India, an ambitious contender in the EV transition, the aftershocks are impossible to ignore.

Global Fires, Local Flares

The battery industry’s foundations are under pressure. China's recent clampdown on antimony exports—essential for battery flame retardants—has quadrupled prices to over $60,000 per metric ton, destabilizing supply chains from Seoul to San Jose. Meanwhile, Europe’s battery darling Northvolt has hit a wall, struggling against soaring energy costs and regulatory hurdles.

China controls 60% of global antimony supply (a critical mineral for lead-acid batteries) and over 75% of global battery production, making other nations vulnerable to supply disruptions.

India, heavily reliant on imports for battery cells and critical minerals, stands squarely in the path of these seismic shifts.

India’s Lithium Dependency Dilemma

Despite the fanfare around EV launches and green energy investments, India imports over 70% of its battery components, exposing it to raw material shocks and fluctuating global markets.

• Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are sourced largely from geopolitically tense regions.
• China commands significant sway over the refining and distribution pipelines.

EV Adoption at a Tipping Point

Battery costs account for up to 40% of an EV’s price in India. Any spike here reverberates across the market—especially in a country where price sensitivity governs buyer behavior.

• Price hikes risk alienating the urban middle class targeted by India’s green mobility push.
• Two-wheelers and e-rickshaws may see price stagnation or reduced subsidies.

Gigafactories vs. Reality

Government schemes like the PLI program and FAME II promise localization and scale, but execution remains sluggish.

• India still lacks end-to-end battery manufacturing capabilities.
• Ola Electric, Amara Raja, and Reliance are building gigafactories, but results will take time.

Innovation Sparks in the Ashes

The crisis has spurred interest in alternative chemistries and strategic alliances.

• India is exploring sodium-ion and solid-state batteries.
• Startups are developing modular battery swapping solutions.
• New joint ventures are forming to secure global mining rights.

Will India Accelerate or Stall?

The battery crisis may become the crucible in which India's resilience, innovation, and strategic autonomy are forged.

The question now is not whether India will electrify—but how fast, how smart, and how self-sufficient it can become while doing so.

IndianOil and Panasonic Energy To Form JV for Manufacturing Lithium-Ion Cells in India

Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Japan's Panasonic Energy Co. Ltd., a Panasonic Group company, have signed a binding term sheet to form a joint venture (JV) for manufacturing cylindrical lithium-ion cells in India.

This initiative is driven by the anticipated expansion of demand for batteries for two- and three-wheel vehicles and energy storage systems in the Indian market. Cylindrical lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in consumer electronics, power tools, and electric vehicles.

The two companies are engaging in a feasibility study regarding the utilization of battery technology to facilitate the transition to clean energy in India.

State-owned IOCL aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2046, aligning with the Indian government's plan to achieve net-zero for the country as a whole by 2070.

Through its partnership with IndianOil, Panasonic Energy aims to address environmental challenges, such as reducing CO2 emissions, as well as to contribute to establishing a complete supply chain ecosystem for improving India's self-reliance and fortifying India's position in the global energy landscape. This will also lead to the growth of India's battery industry by enhancing cell technology and creating domestic demand for raw materials and new entrants.

Leveraging its expertise in battery development and manufacturing, Panasonic Energy strives to contribute to the growth of the lithium-ion battery industry and India's energy transition, while pursuing its mission of helping to build a sustainable society.

Established in April 2022, Panasonic Energy provides battery technology-based products and solutions globally.

IndianOil aims to address environmental challenges, such as reducing CO2 emissions, through its partnership with Panasonic Energy. Leveraging Panasonic Energy’s expertise in battery development and manufacturing, both companies will strive to contribute to the growth of the lithium-ion battery industry and to India's energy transition, while pursuing its mission of helping to build a sustainable society.

Natural Battery Technologies Announces Li-ion Inverter Batteries with a Solar Power Storage Function

India’s leading battery manufacturer, Natural Battery Technologies has announced the launch of lithium-ion (Li-ion) based inverter batteries for home and commercial use that also doubles up as a solar-energy storage system. Headquartered in Rajasthan, Natural Battery Technologies is spearheading the Li-ion battery and clean energy segment, their latest product is a versatile inverter capable of optimizing energy storage for various use cases; hence, it can function as a small home inverter to a large-scale grid energy storage system. This is touted to be the future of energy storage business that aligns with the clean energy and sustainable business.

Natural Battery Technologies’ lithium-ion-based inverter batteries store high volumes of power with a range of steady output that ranges from 1kVA to 50kVA; thus, they are ideal for use as UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply). They are safe to keep in any setting and can last up to ten times longer than Lead Acid alternatives. Li-ion batteries are also leakproof and spill-proof; they work efficiently as Telecom Tower Energy Storage, GIS Backup batteries, etcetera; They offers customization with respect to the battery storage capacity as desired by the client.

 

According to Puneet Jain, Founder of Natural Battery Technologies, “The ideology of Natural Battery Technologies since inception has been to create sustainable and clean energy that does not compromise performance output. Our breakthrough innovations in Li-ion technology have been a major differentiator for us in this space.

In the words of Saurabh Patawari, Co-founder Natural Battery Technologies, “Our new inverter batteries have been developed as a safer alternative to lead-acid batteries that are not hazardous to the environment and have a very short life span than our Li-ion batteries, which last five times longer. Made for both home and commercial use, these are lean machines of solar energy storage with optimal power outflow.

India’s lithium-ion battery market is expected to reach USD 4.85 billion by 2027 and projected a CAGR of 17.23% during the forecast period of 2022-2027. The increasing recycling activities of lithium-ion batteries in the country are expected to secure the supply of raw materials and reduce the reliance on extracting materials from natural resources. Our breakthrough innovations in the Li-ion technology segment have been a major differentiator for us.

Natural Battery Technologies is a leading Lithium-Ion Battery manufacturer in India, located out of Rajasthan. The company provides wide range of products such as Lithium-Ion Batteries, Lithium-Ion Cells, LiFePO4 Cells, Battery management System, Solar Home Lighting System, Battery Packs for Solar Street Light, Solar Home Lighting System, Energy Storage System (UPS & Inverter) & other portable devices, thus customizing the technology for various uses.

Natural Battery Technologies work collaboratively with Electric Vehicle companies and other users on enhancing range, design, and safety of the vehicles.

EV Batteries Startup IPower Batteries Bags Award for Prestigious Brands of Asia in Rising Category - Lithium Ion Batteries

Delhi, 26th March 2021: Pioneers and leading manufacturers of clean and green batteries in the country- IPower Batteries has been awarded the Prestigious Brands of Asia in Rising category: Lithium-Ion Batteries for the year 2021 for their innovative and clean battery products with record capacity manufacturing. The company also has pan-India after sales service with over 200+ sales and service centres.

The company with its large R&D (Govt recognized) team works on innovative and long-term solutions pertaining to different needs of various Electric Vehicle segments and businesses and offers tailor made solutions for each. They have designed innovative lithium-Ion battery solutions for Electric and smart mobility vehicles, with smart features like advanced tracking, geo-fencing and battery immobilization, remote monitoring & control features which is one of their sought-after products, highly in demand.

Vikas Aggarwal, MD iPower Batteries

 

Elated over the achievement, Mr. Vikas Agarwal, Managing Director, IPower Batteries Pvt Ltd said, “We are happy that our efforts to create a long-term solution to existing needs has been recognized through this award bestowed upon us and this has motivated us to build a strong supply network for such products. We are continuously working through our dedicated R&D unit to realize the long term vision of gradual transition. There is a huge existing demand for such products both at B2B and B2C level which we aim to fulfill over a period of time with our innovative research driven solutions for different segments at our state-of-the-art manufacturing unit”.

The company is determined to empower the electric mobility segment by providing smart batteries and allied solutions, in a bid to create an ecosystem to promote a pollution free future. They also offer tailor made battery solutions for 2- wheelers, 3- wheelers, OEM’s, solar energy solutions, industrial batteries, medical instrument batteries, weighing scale batteries and other segments. The company is aiming at fulfilling the demand for clean energy solutions with regards to India’s mobility and other crucial such requirements. The company’s Made in India technology has received an immense push and recognition with this award bestowed upon them as this is going to give a further push to India’s long-standing demand for such products which are ideated, engineered and developed in India.

About IPower Batteries Pvt Ltd-

Incorporated in December 2019, with a full-fledged state of the art manufacturing unit in Kundli (Haryana) which has a large capacity energy storage per month, IPower Batteries is aimed at fulfilling the need for such solutions. 

The company has a strong backing in R&D and experience for over three decades from its parent company which allows them to work on innovative product line for the market. The company’s manufacturing has IMS certified (ISO 9001-2015,14001:2015,45001:2018) for producing high-quality Lithium-Ion batteries. With this they are ready to become the largest Clean Energy Storage Provider in India. The company has previously been awarded the best battery manufacturer in the NMC category by EV Manufacturing & Design Awards. The company has had three decades of experience in battery trading through its parent company Computech Systems which gives them the edge in both expertise and manufacturing of batteries.

India's 1st Technology Hub to Develop Lithium-ion Cells Opens in Tirupati

Amar Raja Battery's Plant at Tirupati [Image - amararajabatteries.com]

India's first technology hub to develop lithium-ion cells has been launched in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, by Amara Raja Batteries, the country’s second largest automotive battery maker, known for brand AMARON. The company has opened the country’s first tech hub to develop Li-ion cells at its factory in Tirupati.

Named as "Advanced Lithium-Ion Technology Research Center", the hub is the pilot project located at its the company's headquarters in Tirupati. According to S Vijayanand said. , CEO of Amara Raja Batteries, the hub will become the country’s first private-sector lithium-ion cell manufacturing plant in the coming years.

To recall, in August last year, Mumbai-based firm Epsilon Carbon has had set up India's first manufacturing facility for Li-ion battery component, that is to produce graphite anode materials for Li-ion batteries.

Amara Raja Batteries has also entered into a technology transfer agreement with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) -- since early 2019 -- for the lithium-ion cell technology transfer. Amar Raja Batteries is among 10 companies that got the technology licence and the company have to pay only the bidding fees and technology transfer fees that have already been paid by Amara Raja.

It was in June 2018 when ISRO invited bids from local startups and suitable firms for its in-house indigenously made technology of large-scale production of lithium ion batteries.

According to a report, Lithium-ion based battery technology companies received the most VC funding in 2020, with $649 million. Other categories that received funding included Solid-state batteries, Energy storage downstream, Energy storage systems, and Flow batteries.

V-Guard Acquires Non-Controlling Stake in Battery Startup Gegadyne Energy Labs Private Limited

Representative

KOCHI, India, Jan. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- V-Guard Industries (V-Guard), India's leading FMEG Company, today announced that its Board has approved the acquisition of a minority stake (18.77%) in Gegadyne Energy Labs Private Limited (GEL) for a cash consideration of Rs. 33.4 crores.

GEL is a Mumbai based alternate battery technology start-up developing innovative energy storage (battery) solutions, which could deliver better battery performance on key parameters like total cost of ownership (TCO), Life Cycle, Recharge time, Safety profile and Maintenance costs, compared to prevalent battery technologies. In addition, all key raw materials can be sourced locally, thereby providing distinctive advantage against some of the upcoming battery technologies based on rare metals with significant import dependence.

V-Guard envisages start-up collaboration as one of the routes to participate in emerging technologies and building product capabilities for fueling future growth. GEL investment is a stepping-stone in this direction and signifies V-Guard's willingness to move into cutting edge technology space and its growing focus on creating disruptions in established businesses. V-Guard foresees potential in GEL's alternative battery technology for various primary applications like DUPS / Energy storage in addition to secondary applications in other products of its existing portfolio.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mithun Chittilappilly, Managing Director, V-Guard Industries Limited, said, "The proposed acquisition marks V-Guard's foray into deep tech start-up space and is in-line with V-Guard's philosophy of delivering thoughtful products and experiences to its discerning consumers. We believe this collaboration will enable V-Guard to further strengthen and expand its product offerings as well as help GEL to realize its potential faster."

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India was the financial advisor and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas was the legal advisor to the transaction for V-Guard.

About V-Guard:

V-Guard Industries Limited is one of India's leading consumer electrical and Electronics Company. Incepted in 1977 by Mr. Kochouseph Chittilappilly to manufacture and market Voltage stabilizers, V-Guard is now a force to reckon with in the Indian electrical and electronics goods panorama. The company has established a strong brand name and aggressively diversified to become a multi-product company catering to the Light Electricals sector manufacturing Voltage stabilizers, Inverters, Pumps, House wiring cables, Electric water heaters, Fans, Solar water heaters, Kitchen Appliances and has also recently forayed into Air Cooler & Modular Switches. In an endeavour to reach every nook and corner of the country, V-Guard is armed with an expansive network of over 500 distributors, 200 service centres, 5500 direct dealers and 20,000 retailers and a committed after sales team. Under the leadership of Mr.Mithun Chittilappilly, Managing Director, V-Guard will continue to create thoughtfully engineered products in its endeavour to enrich consumer lives.

About Gegadyne Energy:

Gegadyne Energy is developing a Proprietary Battery Technology that can charge from 0-100% under 15 mins, all of this while compiling to highest safety standards compared to any existing battery tech across the globe. The Tech is Scalable, Patented, Validated and more importantly consists of proven steps in a proprietary arrangement. Gegadyne Energy produce battery grade chemicals and much more for use in our Battery Tech and broader economy. Their batteries are Safe Sustainable and profitable technology for the future of Energy Storage. The tech is being developed completely in India for the world. Aiming to leapfrog batteries to the next stage and thereby change the economics of Electric vehicles and everything else associated with them now and into the future.

IIT-Hyderabad Prof. Develops Battery for Mars or Other Planetary Missions; Patent Filed for the Tech

SwarnaJayanti Fellow to work on Metal CO2 battery which can reduce payload mass & launch costs of planetary missions

Prof Chandra Shekhar Sharma, from IIT Hyderabad recently demonstrated the technical feasibility of Lithium- CO2 battery in simulated Mars atmosphere for the first time, patent filed for the technology

India's planetary missions like Mars Mission may soon be able to reduce payload mass and launch costs with the help of an indigenously developed Metal- CO2 battery with CO2 as an Energy Carrier.

Chandra Shekhar Sharma, Associate Professor from Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Hyderabad and a recipient of this year’s SwarnaJayanti fellowship instituted by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, will be working to develop Scientific Understanding and Technical Development of Metal- CO2 battery with CO2 as an Energy Carrier for India's Mars Mission.

Notably, rechargeable non-aqueous metal–air batteries (like lithium and sodium air technologies) attract much attention for their high theoretical energy density. However, most reported metal–air batteries are actually operated in a pure oxygen (O2) atmosphere, while CO2 and moisture in ambient air can significantly impact the electrochemical performance of metal–O2 batteries. Moreover, the Mars has only 0.1% of O2 in its atmosphere.

Prof Sharma recently demonstrated the technical feasibility of Lithium- CO2 battery in simulated Mars atmosphere for the first time. This study was published in the journal Elsevier’s Materials Letters, and an Indian patent has been filed for it. As a part of the SwarnaJayanti Fellowship, he aims to develop a working prototype of Metal (M)-CO2 battery technology and explore the feasibility of this technology in the Mars mission, particularly for the surface landers and rovers by using the CO2 gas which is abundantly available in its atmosphere. The development of Metal-CO2 batteries will provide highly specific energy density with the reduction in mass and volume, which will reduce payload mass and launch cost of planetary missions.

Another parallel aspect of this research is to develop Metal-CO2 battery technology also as a promising clean strategy for restraining the climate effects of CO2 emissions. Metal-CO2 batteries have a great potential to offer significantly high energy density than the currently used Li-ion batteries and provide a useful solution to fix CO2 emissions, which is better than energy-intensive traditional CO2 fixation methods.

EV Battery Startup Grinntech signs MoU with Tamil Nadu Govt for Manufacturing Facility

• Grinntech, an investor-backed start-up specialising in Lithium-Ion batteries for EVs and energy storage systems announced the next step of their growth plans with two significant announcements.
• MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu
• Appointment of Mr. E. Balasubramoniam, An IIT-Madras Alumnus

L to R - Mr. Puneet Jain, Co-Founder Grinntech, Mr. E Balasubramoniam, President Grinntech and Mr. Nikhilesh Mishra, Co-Founder, Grinntech

Grinntech executed an MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu which outlines the Company’s intent to establish a Battery and Battery Management System manufacturing facility in the state of Tamil Nadu to cater to the anticipated growth of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India.

Grinntech, which has attracted several industry veterans as investors since its incubation at IIT-Madras Research Park, already operates its R&D and pilot manufacturing facility in Chennai. In addition, the Company has outlined plans for outlay of almost Rs. 100 Crores for R&D, product development and production facilities which will lead to the employment of 250 staff over the next five years. The company has showcased a range of high-tech Lithium-Ion batteries, along with their proprietary Battery Management Systems, suitable for 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, light vehicles and farm tractors. The company is engaged in discussions with a number of OEM manufacturers and fleet operators for supply of Batteries and related systems.

“We are grateful to the Government of Tamil Nadu for their vision in attracting investment in the fast-growing EV and EV-component sectors. Chennai has had the label of “Detroit of the East”. Now, as the global auto industry shifts to electrification, this initiative by the Government of Tamil Nadu will help India’s EV industry be future-ready”, said Puneet Jain, Co-Founder of Grinntech.

Appointment of Mr. E. Balasubramoniam

Mr. E Balasubramoniam, President, Grinntech

Taking yet another step in their growth strategy, Grinntech also announced the appointment of Mr. E. Balasubramoniam as President of Grinntech. Mr. Balasubramoniam, brings over 35 years of experience in the auto industry including prior leadership roles in Maruti-Suzuki, Tata Motors and most recently as Senior Vice-President at Ashok-Leyland and CEO of the Nissan-Ashok Leyland JV. Mr. Balasubramoniam is an alumnus of IIT-Madras.

“We welcome Mr. Balasubramoniam to Grinntech. Our culture of blending the innovation and entrepreneurship of a start-up with domain competence needed for managing complex operations will benefit from his wealth of experience in key areas such as business development, program management, sourcing, and operations.” said Nikhilesh Mishra, Co-Founder of Grinntech.

Dr. V. Sumantran (former Vice-Chairman of Ashok Leyland) and Mr. Lakshminarayan (Co-Founder and former Vice-Chairman of Cognizant) as Directors of Grinntech extended their welcome to Mr. Balasubramoniam and expressed their confidence that with the Government of Tamil Nadu’s timely policy, Grinntech would emerge a strong contributor to India’s goals for self-reliance and to the globally emergent EV industry.

About Grinntech

Grinntech is an investor-backed, growth-phase start-up, specialising in Lithium-Ion batteries for EVs and energy storage systems along with our proprietary BMS and connectivity systems. Our product range has established new standards in safety, intelligent controls, energy-density, power-management, long life, and reliability. Apart from a range of standard products, we also undertake custom battery development for customers in India and abroad.

Grinntech works closely with leading global technology companies and cell suppliers, bringing cutting-edge advances in semiconductor, materials, cell-chemistry and formats. We employ contemporary techniques in our manufacturing including cell-characterisation and production testing. Our expertise has been recognised by our customers, many of whom are market leaders, and we are working with many of them to power their future EV endeavours.

India’s 1st Manufacturing Unit for Li-ion Battery Component Sets Up in Karnataka by Mumbai-based Firm

Mumbai-based firm Epsilon Carbon has set up India's first manufacturing facility in Karnataka to produce graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LiB), said report by Economics Times (ET). Notably, China supplies more than 80% of the global demand for graphite anodes, which is used in nearly all Li-ion batteries.

Graphite anodes comprise 25% volume in LiB cells and are the highest single material component in a cell’s chemistry. Epsilon Carbon has also set-up a target-oriented research and development laboratory to improve the quality of the material further.

The company has housed a new subsidiary, Epsilon Advanced Materials, to run the battery materials business and with this the company aims to become the preferred supplier of synthetic graphite material to cell manufacturers and energy storage device companies across the globe.

Synthetic graphite is used as the anode component in lithium-ion batteries. Although lithium is the best-known component of lithium-ion batteries (LiB), there is far more graphite than lithium in a battery.

Vikram Handa, managing director of Epsilon Carbon, said -

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the importance of a self-reliant nation. As India pushes an aggressive electric vehicle policy... our manufacturing leadership in graphite anodes will make India self-sufficient for a key raw material for LiB cells.

Established in August 2010, Epsilon Carbon already operates India’s first integrated carbon complex with a backward integration from raw coal tar to the finished product.

According to market report, the synthetic graphite market is expected to register a CAGR of around 4% (in terms of voulme) during the forecast period. Major factors driving the market studied are increasing demand for electric vehicles and high purity levels of synthetic graphite.

Epsilon Carbon, which is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Coal Tar Chemicals, plans to invest Rs 500 crore over the next five years in the facility that would produce 5,000 tonnes of anode material annually. It plans to triple this capacity to 15,000 tonnes in 2021 and to 50,000 tonnes/year by 2025, said the ET report.

China currently dominates synthetic graphite production and demand globally. Almost all stages of the lithium-ion battery manufacturing chain are focused on China and China is by far the largest and most rapidly growing market for lithium-ion batteries, which paves the way for the market growth of synthetic graphite.

Li-ion batteries, commonly used in handheld electronics, are composed of three main components -- a graphite anode, a cathode and electrolyte (lithium salt dissolved in organic solvent)-- the graphite anode has specific capacity of about 350 mAh/g.

Electric vehicles nowadays rely mostly on Li-ion batteries, earlier it was nickel-metal hydride batteries, which are heavy, bulky and have a specific energy that is too low, about 80 Wh/kg, for long-distance travel. LiB using graphite anodes exhibit a specific energy of more than 160 Wh/kg, double that of nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Lithium is added to graphite when charging and removed as the battery is used. Graphite anodes are used in nearly all Li-ion batteries, but recent research has sought to capitalize on a better anode solution—silicon. With a theoretical capacity of more than 10 times that of graphite, silicon anodes can at least double the capacity of graphite-anode batteries. However, it is this very ability to absorb lithium and expand during charging that is the problem -- The silicon breaks down quickly.

France-based Battery-Tech Startup to Revolutionize IoT Devices by Reducing Size by 60%

France-based battery technology company Nawa Technologies has recently announced to have invented a next-generation ultracapacitors, which it believes will revolutionize IoT devices, offering huge benefits in operational lifetime, cost, efficiency, safety and environmental impact, as the company says that these can reduce the overall size and weight of IoT devices by more than 60 percent.

Nawa Technologies' ultracapacitors named 'NawaCap', uses a material that is abundant, recyclable and environmentally friendly. The NawaCap can be packaged into small, flat cells and withstand extremes of temperature and the harshest environments, through deep sea to deep space.

Ultracapacitor is different from conventional batteries and is capable of holding electrical charge. It differs from a battery as the later is a source of energy for a circuit. In contrast, a capacitor is a passive element, which draws energy from the circuit, store and release it. Further, the Ultracapacitor, store hundreds of times more electrical charge quantity than a standard capacitor.

The tech firm has combined the NawaCap ultracapacitors with a lithium cell, thus creating a ‘hybrid’ battery, which according to the company could reduce the dependence, for example -- lithium AA (Pencil-sized) to smaller AAA-sized batteries with superior performance.

Based on Vertically Alligned Carbon Nano-Structures (VACNT), the solution rely on naturally occurring carbon that forms the basis of the new ultracapacitors that use carbon , thus lowering the reliance upon lithium, which in turn makes it an environmental-friendly hybrid battery.

Nawa Technologies’ core market is the production of its next-generation ultracapacitor cells. With development completed, and 13 million euros funding already raised from historical and new investors end of 2019, the company is to begin the mass production phase over the coming year. A first of its kind cell production line will be installed at its Provence facility and, at full production, Nawa expects to achieve a capacity in excess of one million cells per month.

In addition to the IoT markets, these cells will be first used globally in a wide range of electrical systems including power tools and automated guided vehicles.

Battery Waste Management - Centre Proposes Draft Rules, Seeks Suggestions from Public

The Centre on Tuesday proposed draft rules on battery waste management directing manufacturers and importers to ensure that used batteries are collected back against the new ones they sell and environment is not harmed during their transportation.

In its draft notification, Battery Waste Management Rules 2020, the Ministry of Environment has given 60 days to public to make objection or suggestion to the rules after which the government will bring the notification into effect.

There are four chapters in the notification which are divided into eight rules.

The rules fix the responsibilities of manufacturer, importer, assembler and re-conditioner.

"It shall be the responsibility of a manufacturer, importer, assembler and re- conditioner to ensure that the used batteries are collected back as per the schedule against new batteries sold excluding those sold to original equipment manufacturer and bulk consumer(s)," the ministry notification said.

It shall be their responsibility to "ensure that used batteries collected back are of similar type and specifications as that of the new batteries sold, it said, adding that collection centres must set up by them either individually or jointly at various places for collection of used batteries from consumers or dealers.

"They must ensure that used batteries collected are sent only to the registered recyclers. Ensure that necessary arrangements are made with dealers for safe transportation from collection centres to the premises of registered recyclers. Ensure that no damage to the environment occurs during transportation of used batteries and no acid should be drained in case of used lead acid batteries," the rules said.

The notification also says the manufacturers and others responsible must create public awareness through advertisements, publications, posters or by other means with regard to hazards of Lead, Cadmium and Mercury; obligation of consumers to return their used batteries only to the dealers or deliver at collection centres and instructions for handling and disposal of the equipment after its use.

As per the rules, 'battery' or 'accumulator' means any source of electrical energy generated by direct conversion of chemical energy and includes disposable primary batteries or rechargeable secondary ones.

Bharat Petroleum Forays into Swappable Li-ion Battery supply for Electric 3-Wheelers

Eyeing opportunities in the wake of disruption expected from electric vehicles, oil major Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited on Monday launched 'e-drive initiative' an electric three-wheeler mobility model.

Partnering with electric vehicle-maker Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions and IIT Madras for technology support, the public sector oil marketing giant brought on stream a supply of swappable lithium-ion batteries at its retail outlets in Kochi and Lucknow in the first phase for
electric three-wheelers.

According to the business model touted as unique, fleets of three-wheelers, also known as 'e-rickshaws,' are deployed in the two cities by Kinetic Green which also owns them and drivers pay rental for use of vehicles and a fee for energy provided by BPCL. There is, however, no maintenance cost.

Chairman and managing director, BPCL, D Rajkumar said rising air pollution, increasing disposable incomes and rapid urbanisation would drive future mobility in India.

"Electric vehicles would be having an increasing share of the urban transportation canvass in the years to come," he said adding: "We are happy to have collaborated with two strong partners, the IIT Madras for technological support and Kinetic Green as a mobility partner."

The operations in Kochi and Lucknow were inaugurated through video conferencing from here and a giant screen beamed e-rickshaws lining up to change batteries at BPCL outlets and the process of swapping was over in a matter of few minutes, similar to the time taken for filling petrol or diesel.

The three-wheelers are powered by two batteries and when the charge drains, it could be brought to the BPCL outlets where it would be replaced with fully charged ones.

CEO, Kinetic Green, Sulajja Firodia Motwani said the electric vehicle with swappable battery technology reduced upfront the cost of vehicle by 50 per cent. "Customers never have to worry about battery charging and replacement."

General Manager, BPCL, Rahul Tandon told reporters, "we are in active discussion with Kinetic to launch it in seven more cities in the next phase depending on licencing (for e-three wheelers)."

The cost of two batteries, needed to run a single e-rickshaw is Rs 60,000 to Rs 65,000 and it is borne by the BPCL, he said answering a question.

The usage fee for drivers is between Rs 350 and Rs 400 for a single swap of two batteries and the twin Li-ion batteries provide a range of 50-55 kms, he said.

On investments for this venture, he said: "It is too early and too small at this stage but we have huge plans of going forward."

Also, he said this was only a first initiative to be prepared for any change that may happen in the
market.

Motwani said the rollout at Lucknow and Kochi was on a pilot basis. A fleet of 20 vehicles each in Kochi and Lucknow is in place and it would be expanded to 100 later and the investment for a single e-rickshaw is about Rs one lakh sans battery. "This is a new concept and we are promoting it."

In Kochi, while operations would only be at metro rail stations, at Lucknow it covers Metro and other urban areas as well, she told reporters.

"We have a special agreement with Kochi Metro and they want to promote electric three-wheelers for connectivity." E-rickshaws normally charge Rs 10 for commuters and the model will also address the last mile connectivity issue for users of Metrorail, she said.

Electric vehicles are expected to cause disruption in the present automobile and auto component ecosystem and in 2018 Indian Oil had partnered with Fortum India for electric vehicle-charging stations.

Last year, the Central government notified the second phase of the FAME India scheme with a Rs 10,000-crore outlay to encourage electric and hybrid vehicles.

New Li-S Batteries can Displace Conventional Lithium-ion Used in EV, Smartphones

A new lithium-sulphur battery with an ultra-high capacity five times higher than that of today's lithium-ion batteries could lead to drastically cheaper electric vehicles (EV), smartphones and grid energy storage.

Mahdokht Shaibani at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and her research colleagues have developed a Li-sulphur battery with a capacity 5 times higher than that of lithium-ion batteries. The battery maintains an efficiency of 99% for more than 200 cycles, and a smartphone-sized version would be able to keep a phone charged for 5 days.

For an uninitiated, use of sulfur cathodes in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries and silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries is the most attractive example of inexpensive electrodes. An electrode is a conductor through which electricity enters or leaves and Li-S electrodes has excellent ability to store lithium, hence the potential for outperforming conventional lithium-ion used today in EVs, smartphones.

Lithium-ions stored on their electrodes during charging are subsequently released during discharging -- just like when smartphones are charged-discharged. One of these electrodes, known as the anode, is typically made from graphite, an inexpensive form of carbon that is used in pencil lead. However, graphite accommodates a relatively small amount of lithium ions.

The practical difference between Lithium batteries and Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is that most Lithium batteries are not rechargeable but Li-ion batteries are rechargeable.

To date, the problem with lithium-sulphur batteries has been that the capacity of the sulphur electrode is so large that it breaks apart over cycles of charging and discharging, and the energy advantage rapidly disappears, says Shaibani. The electrode will fall apart, and then the battery dies fast.

To prevent the electrode disintegrating in their lithium-sulphur battery, the Shaibani and her research team gave the sulphur particles more space to expand and contract by using a smaller amount of a polymer binding material and thus created more spaced-out structures between the sulphur particles.

A polymer is a large molecule made up of chains or rings of linked repeating sub-units called monomers. Polymers usually have high melting and boiling points.

According to Shaibani, this lithium-sulphur battery would drastically reduce the cost of batteries for electric cars and grid energy storage because sulphur is abundant and extremely cheap. In order to have much cheaper energy and more ethical batteries, we need a radically new energy storage system.

Unique business model to boost E-Rickshaw use New battery swapping station inaugurated in Noida

The sharing economy got another boost as E-Chargeup Solutions, the company that pioneered the franchise model, inaugurated its new battery swapping station for E-Rickshaws in Noida, a business and residential suburb in the National Capital Region.

Marking the occasion, E-Chargeup Solutions Founder and CEO Varun Goenka said his company has been a major advocate of battery swapping as a way of encouraging E-Rickshaws. These vehicles provide last mile urban transportation but have been limited in their adoption by the lack of battery charging.

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“Battery swapping is an idea whose time has come,” Goenka said. “Such stations are a quick and effective way for E-Rickshaws to operate without the loss of time in charging batteries. They don’t lose fares because the batteries in their vehicles can be replaced quickly and their used ones are left behind to charge for others to use. This is the ultimate expression of a sharing economy in which assets are shared to facilitate business operations. Other examples of a sharing economy include, among others, the bed and breakfast segment exemplified by Airbnb and taxi services like Uber and Ola. The Internet is a prime facilitator in this 21st century business model.

According to Goenka, the first BSS has been operational over the past six months with 35 registered e rickshaws covering 6000 kilometers daily on advanced indigenously developed Lithium Ion batteries from Greenfuel Energy Solutions, a company focused on alternative fuels and transport.



Goenka added his company was targeting the 1.7 million E-Rickshaws through this unique franchise model, where it offers battery swapping and related services to rickshaw owners. He added there was an inherent efficiency in the model because there is no waiting interval for charging the batteries, a much better range, a hundred percent increase in driver revenue, and reduction in battery weight from 120 to 28 kilograms. This ensures smooth running of the rickshaws and zero maintenance cost.

Akshay Kashyap, GreenFuel Managing Director and provider of batteries to E-Chargeup Solutions, said that for E rickshaw ecosystem, battery swapping is right for these vehicles. “This basically means that an E rickshaw owner can go in for a battery swapping option in which he goes to a charging station and replaces his discharged battery with a new, fully charged battery in under one minute and can be back on the go, without sacrificing income.”

Inaugurating the facility, dubbed “icentre,” proprietor Baldev Joshi said it was the first battery swapping center and will foster an increase in the use of ecofriendly E-Rickshaws. Vikas Joshi, the co-owner added: “On inauguration day itself we registered eleven customers for our daily battery swapping subscription plan.”

Taiwanese EV Giant Ahamani Forms JV With Renon India to make Lithium Batteries

Ahamani EV Tech; a Taiwanese EV Giant and Gujarat based battery maker Renon India announced that the two companies have established a joint venture to produce Battery packs for Indian Automobile market.


The new joint venture aims to provide reliable & cutting-edge technology battery packs with higher lifecycle to automakers domestically as the EV market expands to meet evolving consumer needs and to address issues related to energy and climate change.


There has been a joint investment of USD 3.7 Million in the JV company to build customized battery packs. The JVC is developing a battery factory in Surat, Gujarat with an initial capacity of 200 MWh per annum which will further be expandable to 1GWh over the next few years.

On this development, Ms. T.C. Kung, CEO, Ahamani said “We have been developing battery packs since last 20 years for various EV applications and we see this as a right time to position our reliable and heavy-duty battery packs for the Indian market. Indian Automobile Market is evolving very fast and opening up doors for more innovation and reliable products. We are highly committed to PM Modi’s Make in India program.”

Adding to this, Mr. Vineet Mittal, Director, Renon India said “This is our third venture in sustainable business from our group company. We see two and three wheelers to be the first ones to transform to electric and this creates a lot of opportunity for us to be in the market. We couldn’t have better partners than Ahamani, given their huge experience of 20 years in the electric vehicle space globally and becoming their partner of choice for manufacturing reliable and high-tech lithium batteries for electric vehicles."

On the product line, Mr. Ankit Kumar, Director & Chief of Strategy, Ahamani said “The initial offerings of the company would include LFP (Lithium Ferrous Phosphate) and NMC battery packs for 2-wheeler & 3-wheeler EVs which will be customized as per the industry requirements. We see India to lead the race of EVs globally in the coming future and are very determined to be a catalyst in this growth.”

The joint venture apart from offering advanced technology will also aim to tackle numerous battery-related challenges must be of cost, energy density, lifecycle, charging time and safety, ensure stable supply capacity and have effective recycling structures.

Sodium Batteries will Replace Lithium-ion Ones, says Scientist C N R Rao

Eminent Indian scientist C N R Rao on Monday hoped that sodium batteries would emerge as an alternative to lithium batteries in view of the short supply of lithium.

"It can be sodium battery. Sodium battery will be a reality. Already, it is available. We have little problems in sodium battery. We have to make it as good as lithium. Magnesium, we can make it, but is again, short in supply," Rao told reporters hereafter delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) as part of its platinum jubilee celebrations.

Cobalt, which is useful, is also in short supply as it is available only in Congo, he said.

He expressed confidence that sodium battery would be a reality as efforts made in laboratories have been successful.



In the laboratories, many people have made sodium battery. You can make it...I am, somehow, confident we will make good sodium batteries in the laboratory, he said, when asked how far, is the realisation of alternative (to lithium).

Notably, a French startup Tiamat is designing, developing and manufacturing sodium-ion batteries cells, which are suitable for mobility applications and stationary storage. Tiamat claims that these sodium-ion batteries cells are 10 times faster than the other existing batteries.

[caption id="attachment_132683" align="aligncenter" width="470"] Tiamat Sodium ion battery cells [Credit: © Beaujot/RS2E, phys.org][/caption]IICT director S Chandrasekhar said the institute, which has been working on drug discovery programme for 10 ears, has a national molecular bank where about 60,000 new chemical entities (both synthetic and natural) are preserved.

"One of those compounds during screening was found to be a very powerful anti-sclerotic compound. We found that this compound has also multiple indications," he said. PTI SJR NVG

Exide's EV Battery Plant with Swiss-based Leclanche Operational by Dec in Gujarat

Exide Industries Ltd on Saturday said its JV plant, which will will focus on e-transport and fleet vehicles, with Switzerland-based Leclanché SA in Gujarat will be operational by December.

Last week, Gujarat Chief Secretary J N Singh had told that "A big company will announce investment" in Dholera (near Ahmedabad) in lithium-ion batteries manufacturing for Electric Vehicles (EVs).

Exide, which is the largest manufacturer of lead-acid batteries in India and 4th largest in the world, had last year entered into a joint venture (JV) with the Leclanché for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

"About Rs 100 crore has so far been invested in the facility and an equal amount will be pumped in within March," Exide Industries MD and CEO G Chatterjee told reporters here.

He said the JV is initially for installing three assembly lines in the facility for manufacturing different types of products. Of the three, a battery pack assembly line is expected to be operational by the third quarter of the 2019-20 fiscal.

"Two other assembly lines will be ready by March," Chatterjee said on the sidelines of the company's 72nd annual general meeting.

Last week, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, announced the game plan for electric vehicles and its components like batteries to ensure clean cities, reduce imports and utilise solar power.

Leclanché SA, which is a 100+ years old company of Switzerland, evolved from a traditional battery manufacturer to become a developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion cells. The swiss firm listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LECN) has production facilities in Willstätt, Germany, and in 2017, the company announced a trial to install energy storage batteries at sites owned by Dutch charging station operator Fastned.

'Big Firm' to Setup Li-ion Battery Making Unit: India's Game-Plan for Electric Vehicles

India has put in place a game plan for electric vehicles (EV) and its components like batteries to ensure clean cities, reduce imports and utilise solar power, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said here on Saturday. He said domestic battery manufacturing for electric vehicles provides a "massive market opportunity", and also quickens the transition to such environment-friendly transport, which is vital for the country to help combat pollution, congestion, strengthen energy security and create jobs.

Addressing a conference on sustainable mobility through video link, Kant said the country's EV focus should mainly be on two-wheeler and three-wheeler vehicles and public transport.

"We have a game plan to drive electric vehicles, particularly two and three-wheelers, public transport and manufacturing of batteries in India. Our objective is that we should first work on about 80 per cent of components of two and three-wheelers and buses and also push manufacturing of batteries in India," Kant said. "Our objective is to clean up cities, reduce imports, and utilise the sun and its energy for driving electric vehicles," he said.

"From the perspective of energy security and competitive advantage, new mobility solutions will reduce oil import costs, lower India's trade deficit and limit our vulnerability to oil supply disruptions," Kant said.

With low per capita car ownership, which currently is 20 vehicles per 1000 people, India has an opportunity to leap frog ahead of the legacy model of individually owned internal combustion Indian vehicles that are utilised by only 5 per cent of the people, he said.

"India's low per capita car ownership affords the chance to pursue a different model from the western world. Our emphasis must be shared, connected electric transportation," he said.

To create a unique eco-system to enable 'Make in India', and drive the movement for manufacturing in India, the country will require a phased programme across the entire value chain, an efficient fiscal impact structure, and size and scale aligned to the country's ambition to produce world-class vehicles for domestic and international markets.

"With batteries accounting for almost 40 per cent of total cost of EVs today, domestic battery manufacturing is a massive market opportunity for India to rapidly enable the transition to EVs," Kant said.

"New battery technologies like solid state lithium ion battery, sodium ion battery, and silicon based batteries are underdeveloped. India needs to vigorously pursue research and development and have a clear road map for manufacturing on a mega scale," he said.

To facilitate charging infrastructure, Kant said newer models should be explored and start-ups must be facilitated in this area.

He said new cities like Dholera (coming up near Ahmedabad) should allow maximum number of EVs.T alking to reporters on the sidelines of the conference, Chief Secretary J N Singh said Gujarat is poised to lead in the field of e-mobility.

Dholera is emerging as a very important township for this. A big company will announce investment in Dholera in lithium-ion battery manufacturing for EVs....We plan to develop a 5,000-MW solar power plant, and 250 MW plant will be
ready soon, Singh said.

"We are in the last stage of discussion with Tata Chemicals for lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant. The battery is vital for e-vehicles and comprises 40 per cent of car cost," he said. PTI KA