JSW to launch 60,000-tonne lithium-ion cell project with Chinese tech partner

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Mint's request for a comment on the story. With geopolitical and policy uncertainties influencing partnership strategies, Indian companies are opting for technology transfers from China instead of establishing joint ventures.

This move is part of a broader trend in which companies like Hyundai Motor Co and Kia Corp are engaging with Chinese cell manufacturer SVOLT through a technology partnership with Indian battery manufacturer Exide Energy, bypassing more expensive options from South Korean cell manufacturers such as LG Chem. Ironically, while the government actively incentivizes the setup of cell manufacturing capabilities in India through various production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes, including those for advanced chemistry cells crucial for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage systems, the effort to promote domestic industries and reduce dependency on imports from China requires first obtaining these advanced cell technologies from China, which is the global leader in EV battery technologies.

"JSW's strategy is to secure affordable and battery technology and make electric cars and commercial vehicles economically viable compared to combustion engines, as well decrease its reliance on Chinese supply chains", one of the persons cited above said. "JSW aims to initially match and with scale, eventually undercut Chinese cell production costs through localized manufacturing and technological adaptation." JSW's integrated EV project in Paradip, Odisha, which will be constructed at an investment of ₹40,000 crore, is a central component of JSW's strategy to support its renewable energy goals, as well as its new joint venture with SAIC's MG Motor India to bring down costs via high levels of domestic value