Isro to share lithium-ion battery technology for electric vehicles
10 Apr 2017
Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has developed the technology to manufacture high-power lithium-ion batteries for automobiles and e-vehicles, which the government has asked it to allow auto manufacturers to use.
The government's move to transfer Isro technology to automobile manufacturers is expected to give a push to the new technology.
The Lithium-Ion battery, developed by Isro's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has successfully cleared multiple rounds of tests. ISRO has already used these batteries to power satellites and other space missions.
Over six major automotive firms, including Mahindra Renault, Hyundai, Nissan, Tata Motors, battery manufacturer High Energy Batteries and public sector undertakings, BHEL and Indian Oil are interested in producing indigenous lithium-ion batteries and have approached Isro.
Isro developed and delivered a lithium-ion battery unit prototype to Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for testing at its Pune facility. The batteries are yet to arrive in the market.
Also, this year saw the first electric two-wheeler prototype powered by the indigenous lithium-ion battery being rolled out.
Automobile manufacturers have been importing lithium-ion batteries making the final product expensive, and accessible only to a few. With the technology available locally, manufacturers can roll out cheaper, and more efficient electric vehicles.
Mass production of lithium-ion batteries in India will bring down costs, making electric vehicles more appealing to buyers.
The government has requested Isro to make the technology available to multiple private players instead of looking at a technology partnership, so as to make the product priced competitively.
According to the government, sharing of manufacturing technology will aid mass production of batteries increasing competition and bringing down prices further.
Bulk production can lower prices by up to 80 per cent, making batteries affordable for the Indian consumer.
The government is looking to boost the sale of electric vehicles to curb air pollution.
