Team-BHP - Exide, Leclanche JV to make lithium-ion EV batteries in India

Exide has tied up with Switzerland's Leclanche SA to form a joint venture for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries and to provide energy storage solutions for electric vehicles in India. The joint venture plans to target fleet vehicles such as e-buses, and e-rickshaws.

In the initial stages, the joint venture plans to source cells from Leclanche's plant in Willstatt, Germany.

The joint venture plans to set up its manufacturing facility in Gujarat. While its module and battery pack assembly line is expected to be running by the second quarter of 2019, the lithium-ion production plant is expected to be functional by mid-2020. The know-how for lithium-ion cells, modules and battery management systems is expected to be provided by Leclanche, while Exide plans to use its sales network to market the products.

According to a media report, Exide will hold a 74.99% stake in the joint venture, while Leclanche will hold the remaining 25.01%.

Source: ET Auto

Exide to start assembling lithium-ion batteries from December

Quote:

Kolkata - Eyeing at the country's electric vehicle (EV) market and grid-based applications, Exide Industries Ltd will start assembling lithium-ion batteries from December, a top company official said on Wednesday.

Country's largest lead acid battery maker had formed a joint venture (JV) with Switzerland-based Leclanch SA, one of the world's leading energy storage solution companies, in June last year.

"We will begin assembling lithium-ion batteries from imported cells of China in December this year. We will make batteries for several applications including electric vehicles depending on demand," Exide MD & CEO Gautam Chatterjee said.

Source: ET Auto

As per this news report, Exide Industries is preparing to get into Li-Ion Battery production. If this happens, the entry cost of EVs in India should see a massive drop.

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com...le36204155.ece

PLI was a scheme introduced by the government in November 2020 to give a boost to making India a manufacturing hub. If they can leverage this to encourage companies like Exide (And Amara Raja, as mentioned in the article) to start li-ion batteries, we can seriously challenge the monopoly of China and South Korea in battery production, which is arguably the next big thing for Environmental protection.

https://www.investindia.gov.in/produ...-schemes-india

Thanks and seems high time to do so.

If they start now they would be well placed as the market has started picking up now with homegrown manufacturers selling consistently.

Wish them success.

:Cheering::Cheering::Cheering:

Fantastic news for the bold new world of motoring that will dawn upon us in few years time.
Just two queries if the gurus can share their knowledge.

1. To acquire Lithium, governments do a lot to secure supplies. Lots of news of Chinese government backing their companies to secure mines of Lithium. India, does it have some ready supply of Li by way of our government backed companies to secure mines in foreign lands??

2. How about motor manufacturing. Last I heard the Sterlite plant in TN was closed down impacting supply of copper in the country. Is that sorted out.

Thank you.