Mahindra collaborates with LG Chem for li-ion battery development

Mahindra is gearing up for the EV revolution in India.

Mahindra & Mahindra has announced a collaboration with Korea-based LG Chem in the field of advanced li-ion battery technology.

Under the aegis of this collaboration, LG Chem will develop a unique cell exclusively for India application and will also supply li-ion cells based on NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) chemistry with high energy density. These cells will be deployed in Mahindra and SsangYong range of EVs. LG Chem will also design the li-ion battery modules for Mahindra Electric, which in turn will create battery packs for the Mahindra Group and other customers.

In keeping with the investment plan already announced by Mahindra in 2017, a battery module plant is also under development. The plant will have a capacity of half a million battery modules per annum and will also house a battery module pack line. The entire facility for both the module and the pack is expected to go into production in the last quarter of FY 2020.

Commenting on this announcement, Hemant Sikka, President & Chief Purchase Officer, Mahindra, said, ‘The Electric Vehicle revolution is taking the country by storm and at Mahindra we are happy to be at the forefront of this change. This association with LG Chem will give Mahindra the requisite access to advanced battery technology and will also enable us to deliver globally competitive products. At Mahindra we are preparing to scale up in accordance with our expansion plans in order to meet demand expected in the near future. We look forward to a strong and fruitful association with LG Chem.’