Leading Indian automotive electrical components manufacturer, Lucas TVS Ltd and 24M Technologies, a next-generation lithium-ion battery technology developer, announced they have signed a licensing and services agreement to build one of India’s first gigawatt-sized lithium-ion battery factories, using the innovative and disruptive SemiSolid platform technology.
The plant, to produce the battery cells initially for the Indian market, will begin commercial production by the second half of 2023, Lucas TVS said in a statement.
The company expects to build similar complexes across the country to support the growing markets for energy storage, electric mobility and lead-acid battery replacement.
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The SemiSolid structure has significant benefits compared to conventional manufacturing processes. The technology, protected by more than 80 issued and 100 pending patents, offers a significantly simpler process flow that substantially reduces capital costs.
In addition, it enables the production of a thicker electrode, increasing energy density and reducing material costs, Lucas TVS explained.
“We believe on investing in next-generation technologies, which is why we decided to partner with Semisolid,” said T.K. Balaji, CEO of Lucas TVS.
“We are confident that this innovative technology will enable us to offer our customers affordable electric mobility, lead-acid battery replacement and storage solutions with improved quality and best-in-class safety,” he added.
Beyond its cost advantages, the patented cell design to be used improves safety, reliability and traceability by virtually eliminating potential metal contamination, the most common cause of short circuits on conventional lithium-ion cells.
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In addition to these benefits, the SemiSolid electrode removes the use of binders and enables simpler and more efficient recycling of rejected or end-of-life cells.
The first plant will be installed at Thervoy Kandigai, Gummudipundi, near Chennai province. Lucas TVS will be the first to introduce semi-solid lithium-ion batteries produced in India and designed specifically for that market.
Written by I Jhonattan González
