Ankit Sharma

Amara Raja and Gotion-InoBat Team Up for Cutting-Edge Battery Technology Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd, through its subsidiary Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies Pvt. Ltd (ARACT), has signed a groundbreaking technical licensing agreement with GIB EnergyX Slovakia, part of Gotion High-Tech Co. Ltd. This collaboration aims to bring advanced lithium iron phosphate (LFP) technology to India, enhancing the production capabilities of lithium-ion cells. Amara Raja will produce both cylindrical and prismatic LFP cells, bolstered by Gotion’s technological expertise and extensive global supply chain network. Boosting the EV Market with Advanced Lithium-Ion Cells This partnership is pivotal for Amara Raja’s ambitious plan to establish a large-scale manufacturing facility, the Amara Raja Giga Corridor, in Telangana, India. This corridor, supported by an investment of INR 9,500 crore, is set to become a key player in India’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market. The agreement not only facilitates technology transfer but also ensures supply security for the essential materials needed for battery production. InoBat’s Role in Electric Aviation and Full-Cycle Battery Ecosystem Both Amara Raja and Gotion are stakeholders in InoBat, a Slovakian company focusing on high-performance batteries for advanced applications such as electric aviation. InoBat aims to create a full-cycle battery ecosystem, further supported by the establishment of Slovakia’s first LFP battery Gigafactory through the GIB joint venture. This initiative highlights InoBat’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in energy storage solutions. Executive Insights on the Collaboration Vikramadithya Gourineni, Executive Director of ARE&M, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing how it enhances their technology and supply security, crucial for the development of the Giga Corridor. Jayadev Galla, Chairman & Managing Director of ARE&M, described this collaboration as ushering in a new era for Amara Raja, termed Amara Raja 3.0, providing a significant technological edge in India’s EV market. Moving Forward This strategic alliance between Amara Raja and Gotion-InoBat marks a significant step towards advancing battery technology and supporting the burgeoning EV market in India. By leveraging cutting-edge LFP technology and establishing robust manufacturing facilities, Amara Raja is poised to play a crucial role in the global energy transition. Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

LOHUM to Invest ₹2,000 Crore in India’s Largest Battery Recycling Plant LOHUM, a leading name in sustainable energy transition materials, is making a significant move to bolster India’s battery recycling capabilities. The Greater Noida-based company has announced an investment of over ₹2,000 crore to establish the country’s largest battery recycling plant at the future mobility park in Shoolagiri, Krishnagiri district. This massive project, spanning 65 acres, is expected to generate at least 1,000 jobs once fully operational, marking a significant boost to the local economy and the nation’s recycling infrastructure. 📌 Sustainable Energy and Battery Recycling: The Future LOHUM is a prominent player in the field of sustainable energy, specializing in the recycling, repurposing, and refining of battery raw materials with a focus on low-carbon processes. The upcoming facility in Krishnagiri will have a production capacity of 20 gigawatt hours (GWh) of cathode active materials (CAMs) used in battery cell manufacturing. This substantial capacity will support the increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries driven by the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and other applications. 📌 Advancing Sustainable Use of Critical Minerals Sachin Maheshwari, head of Corporate Development at LOHUM, emphasized the plant’s dual role in recycling used batteries and processing electrical and rare earth magnets. This initiative aligns with LOHUM’s commitment to sustainable use of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and platinum. The company aims to contribute to the circular economy by ensuring these valuable materials are recycled and reused, reducing dependence on mining and lowering environmental impact. 📌 Lohum Net-Zero Energy Goal One of LOHUM’s primary goals for the new plant is to achieve net-zero energy usage. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in their plans to scale up research on rare earth metals and optimize their recycling processes. The company is already a significant player in India’s battery recycling market, operating eight plants in Greater Noida and Gujarat with a combined capacity of 150 megawatt hours. 📌 Global Expansion and Future Prospects LOHUM is not just focusing on India; it has ambitious plans for global expansion. The company is setting up another plant in the United Arab Emirates and has intentions to expand into North America, the European Union, and other regions. Recently, LOHUM raised $54 million in a Series B funding round led by Singularity Growth and other investors, which will fuel this international growth and strengthen their research and development efforts. Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

India’s Ambitious Push to Reduce Reliance on Chinese Lithium India is making strategic moves to reduce its dependency on China for lithium, a critical component for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy technologies. This initiative is part of a broader effort to bolster its domestic EV industry and enhance energy security. By focusing on global partnerships and developing domestic lithium resources, India aims to create a robust and self-reliant lithium supply chain. Global Partnerships for Lithium Processing To achieve self-reliance in lithium processing, India has initiated discussions with several countries, including Australia, the United States, Bolivia, Japan, and South Korea. These partnerships aim to gain technical expertise and establish a robust lithium supply chain, reducing the need to rely on China, which currently controls about 60% of global lithium refining capacity​. Executives from Russia’s TENEX have also approached the Indian government, offering technology for lithium processing. This collaboration underscores India’s commitment to diversifying its sources of technical know-how and securing the raw materials necessary for its growing EV market​. Domestic Efforts and Challenges Domestically, India has discovered significant lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir, estimated at 5.9 million tonnes. This discovery is seen as a major step toward achieving self-sufficiency. However, experts caution that it may take years to fully develop these resources due to the geological and environmental sensitivities of the region. In addition to mining, the Indian government is focusing on setting up refining plants. Companies like Shree Cement are in talks with Australian firms to establish lithium refineries, which could cost between $600 million and $700 million. Incentives and Future Outlook India’s top policy think-tank, NITI Aayog, has recommended incentives for setting up lithium processing plants. The country’s battery industry is projected to require an annual 56,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate by 2030. To meet this demand, India needs to accelerate its efforts in both mining and refining​. Moving Forward India’s drive to reduce its reliance on Chinese lithium involves a multifaceted strategy, combining international partnerships, domestic resource development, and technological advancements. While the journey is expected to be challenging and lengthy, these efforts are crucial for the country’s energy security and its ambitious EV goals. By building a more resilient and self-sufficient lithium supply chain, India can better position itself in the global green energy landscape and reduce its carbon footprint. Join All India EV Community Click here for more such EV Updates

Hero MotoCorp to Launch Affordable Two-Wheeler EVs by FY25 Hero MotoCorp, India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has announced ambitious plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup. By FY25, the company aims to introduce a range of affordable two-wheeler EVs to cater to a broader customer base. This strategic move is part of Hero’s effort to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing electric mobility market. Currently, Hero MotoCorp offers two electric scooters under the VIDA brand, priced between INR 1 lakh and INR 1.5 lakh. The company plans to launch new models targeting the mid and mass-market segments, which will significantly broaden their market reach. This initiative is expected to drive substantial growth in both the current and next fiscal years​​. In addition to expanding its product portfolio, Hero MotoCorp is enhancing its production capabilities. The company is ramping up production to meet the increasing demand, aiming to produce 10,000 units per month by the end of this fiscal year. This includes the upcoming Xoom 125 and Xoom 160 scooters, which are set to debut in the first half of the year​​. Moreover, Hero MotoCorp has entered a partnership with Ather Energy to develop an interoperable charging network. This collaboration will provide over 2,000 charging points across 200 cities, significantly improving the accessibility and convenience of EV charging for customers​. The company is also planning to extend the VIDA brand’s presence to European and UK markets in FY25, marking its foray into international markets. This geographical expansion is poised to enhance Hero’s global footprint and capitalize on the growing demand for electric vehicles worldwide​. Join All India EV Community All India EV Market Updates