Amara Raja Bets on In-House Battery Tech Amid China Curbs
Amara Raja Energy & Mobility is accelerating its push into India’s battery cell manufacturing space by developing technology in-house, after geopolitical issues stalled its earlier partnership with China’s Gotion. The company aims to strengthen domestic capabilities despite global supply chain and technology access challenges in the EV battery sector.
The company plans to start with nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion cells to serve India’s fast-growing electric two-wheeler market. Its first qualification plant, currently being commissioned, will produce cells at a small scale before transitioning to a planned 2 GWh gigafactory expected by next year.
Amara Raja is investing heavily in R&D and infrastructure, including a research centre and qualification facility, with a total investment of around $100 million. However, it acknowledges uncertainties around pricing, customer demand, and continued dependence on imported equipment and foreign technicians, which continue to slow India’s battery manufacturing ambitions.
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