ISRO Offers High-Power Lithium-Ion Battery Technology To Auto Companies

Over six major automotive firms, battery manufacturers and public sector undertakings have already approached ISRO. Mahindra Renault, Hyundai, Nissan, Tata Motors, High Energy Batteries, BHEL and Indian Oil are interested in producing indigenous lithium-ion batteries.

Nitin Gadkari, Union Road Transport Minister, had asked ISRO to develop indigenous technology for lithium-ion batteries. With the new technology, the prices of batteries will go down and can easily reach Indian consumers.

Previously, ISRO had developed similar batteries for satellite and launch vehicle applications. The batteries manufactured under new technology will be powerful and light and have less volume compared to conventional batteries.

The government is pushing the use of electric vehicles, especially in metro cities. The air pollution in the cities has become the biggest health concern. The key component of an electric vehicle is the battery. Currently, the batteries are imported, and it is expensive.

As per sources, BHEL and ISRO are expected to finalise a MoU for manufacturing such batteries. An official said, "The cabinet secretary has asked ISRO to create a framework for enabling even interested private players to obtain the technology for mass production."

The official added, Only one agency producing them will not be enough. The cost will come down only when we will have huge production to meet the demand."

Via IndiaTimes