Project to indigenize Li-ion battery technology for EVs

The IIT Hyderabad incubated start up Pure EV has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CSIR-Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI). Under the agreement, the start up and CSIR are to undertake joint research to develop Lithium-Ion Battery technology for electric vehicles. This will help to indigenize Lithium-ion technology. Currently, India is importing Lithium cells from China.

In order to address the market monopoly of China in producing Lithium-Ion Batteries, India has launched a project called CSIR Innovation Centre for Next Generation Energy Storage Solutions (ICeNGESS). The main objective of the scheme is to produce Lithium-Ion Batteries in the scale of 100 MW. The MoU signed with Pure EV is a part of this scheme.

Recycling of LIBs in India

The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles Policy (FAME II) says that at least 30% of entire transport of India are to be electrified by 2030. The Government of India is also taking several measures to increase the use of electric vehicles in the country. Therefore, the LIBs are to increase in huge numbers. Bottomline, it is essential to increase the recycling of these LIBs. Currently only 5% of LIBs are being recycled.

China recycles around 67,000 tonnes of LIBs. This is 69% of the LIB stocks available for recycling worldwide.

On the other hand, the used LIBs from the Electric Vehicles retain about 60% to 70% of their original charge. This means that the retired batteries can be used in wind, solar and other applications.

PLI Scheme for Lithium-Ion Cell Manufacturing

Under the Production Linked Incentive Scheme, the Government of India has allocated Rs 18,000 crores of subsidies. This will spur the local Lithium-Ion Battery manufacturing companies to increase their manufacturing. This is a part of 3 trillion rupees worth incentives announced by Government of India in November 2020. Around ten sectors were selected under this and Lithium-Ion Battery manufacturing is one among these.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2020