India-made Li-Ion Batteries to Cut Dependence on China, says Anant Geete

“At present, the world needs to import lithium-ion batteries from China and Rs 50-60 lakh is only the cost of the battery (for buses). If the battery cost is reduced the total cost of electric vehicles will become affordable and commuters will also have to pay less”

To cut its dependence on China and strengthen the local industry the steps are being taken to manufacture indigenous lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. The government’s has accorded the ‘top priority’ to push for e-mobility in the country, Anant Geete, Union Minister said.

“At present, the world needs to import li-ion batteries from China and Rs 50-60 lakh is only the cost of the battery (for buses). If the battery cost is reduced the total cost of electric vehicles will become affordable and commuters will also have to pay less,” Geete told reporters here on the sidelines of the launch of an electric bus by Goldstone-BYD.

He further said, “My ministry has made efforts in this direction and soon we will be able to manufacture Li-ion batteries in India.”

Geete also launched first made in India electric bus, Goldstone-BYD’s ‘eBuzz K6’, that is to be exported to Nepal.

Besides, the minister said a “good policy” is being formulated under the FAME II scheme to boost electric mobility in the country.

He said there is a need to migrate from petrol and diesel to electric mobility in view of rising pollution concerns.

The minister said the government has accorded top priority to convert public transport to electric mobility under FAME II.

“We received EoIs from 10 states and around 400 buses have been allotted to these 10 states. However, Delhi did not accept it, this is the reality and therefore we were unable to allow electric buses to Delhi.”

According to the minister, demand has to come from state government and the Centre can only provide incentives. “Therefore the initiative has to come from the state,” Geete said.

PTI