Que: Kindly explain the key technologies behind Amara Raja’s lithium-ion battery production and what makes them stand out from its competitors?

Ans: Amara Raja Energy & Mobility has a strong market presence and extensive experience in the battery industry and has established itself as a leading player in battery manufacturing space in the last 38 years. To be part of the changing energy narrative, we separated and set up our New Energy vertical about 3 years ago to make lithium-ion cell and battery packs for the Energy & Mobility space incorporating several advanced technologies and innovations that give us a competitive advantage.

We use advanced cell chemistries of Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium ferro-phosphate (LFP) cathodes in Li-Ion cells. These chemistries are renowned for their high energy density and long cycle life, which significantly enhance the performance and reliability of the batteries. In this, we look at both cylindrical and prismatic form factors, which forms part of our core technology. On the anode side we use graphite/silica graphite technology. Additionally, the company employs cutting-edge materials in the anode, cathode, and electrolyte formulations to further improve battery efficiency and safety.

High-precision manufacturing techniques play a crucial role in Amara Raja’s production process. The use of precision coating, winding, and assembly processes ensures the consistency and quality of each cell and battery pack. Automation and robotics, wherever required, are used to maintain high standards of manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

Que: How does battery pack design for two-wheelers differ from that for three-wheelers in terms of energy requirements and efficiency?

Ans: The design of batteries for two-wheelers and three-wheelers differs significantly due to variations in energy requirements, efficiency, and application needs. When discussing battery pack design, it's essential to consider that a two-wheeler typically carries two people, while a three-wheeler usually accommodates four people. This difference means that the load is doubled, requiring a larger capacity battery to transport more people.

Additionally, two-wheelers are primarily used for personal transportation, whereas three-wheelers are often used for commercial purposes. This distinction impacts the sizing and other design considerations of the batteries. Despite these differences, both two-wheelers and three-wheelers operate at low voltages, typically between 48 and 73 volts. The main difference lies in the battery size, which is significantly larger for three-wheelers due to the increased load and different usage patterns.

Que: Explain the impact of various battery chemistries on performance and sustainability and the company’s approach on the challenge of energy sustainability in the context of exponential corporate growth?

Ans: When discussing battery chemistries, it is important to recognize that each chemistry has its own unique performance characteristics. Some chemistries excel in certain parameters, while others perform better in different areas. There is no single technology that suits every application. Whether the application is automotive or energy storage, each has specific requirements that dictate the appropriate chemistry to use.

In terms of sustainability, it is imperative that all battery chemistries, without exception, are recycled. While some metals and materials may be more cost-effective to recycle than others, recycling is necessary regardless of cost considerations.

At Amara Raja, we are committed to recycling all types of metals and materials, without prioritizing commercial viability. We are continuously working on developing newer materials to increase the efficiency and longevity of our batteries, thereby reducing the quantity of materials needed. Additionally, in our manufacturing facility in Telangana, we plan to utilize renewable energy sources to power our operations, furthering our commitment to sustainability.

Que: What advancements in battery technology do you find most promising for India’s green revolution?

Ans: The New Energy space is ever evolving in nature with a lot of new research happening constantly. There are many technologies that are being researched and as a leader in this space we find most of them to be useful not just now but also in the future. Few battery technologies that are showing immediate prospects and have a promising future are Sodium-Ion and Solid State. However, we cannot deny the fact that the existing technology of NMC and LFP will see huge improvements thus ensuring that life of these technologies prolongs.

Que: Discuss how collaboration across different sectors can be optimized in a research and innovation hub like E Positive Energy Labs.

Ans: The whole idea of setting up the ePositive Energy Labs was to have a collaborative research space wherein we have all levels of research happening. Starting from fundamental material to top-end product research, which consists of consumer product, are innovated and developed. While the industry is focused on commercial research, we feel that fundamental research is as important as advanced research.

To take care of the entire chain of research, Amara Raja’s ePositive Energy Labs will encourage participation of education institutions, independent research organisations, startups and entrepreneurs who will be incubated in our centre along with our own internal research teams. To have seamless coordination and collaboration between all of this, we are planning to have a common test lab which will be open to everyone. We will also provide space for companies working Energy and Mobility space to carry out research and innovation. The phase one of the centre should be operational by next year and immediately after that phase 2 will start.

Que: Kindly shed light on the initiatives taken by Amara Raja Group to address the challenge of supply chain management in battery manufacturing during global disruptions?

Ans: Amara Raja has taken several strategic initiatives to address the challenges of supply chain management in battery manufacturing during global disruptions. One significant step is the technical licensing agreement signed by Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technology (ARACT), a subsidiary of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility (ARE&M), with GIB EnergyX Slovakia s.r.o., a subsidiary of Gotion High-Tech Co Ltd. This agreement allows us to manufacture world-class LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cells in both cylindrical and prismatic form factors. By leveraging Gotion’s expertise and technology, we can ensure a consistent and high-quality production of battery cells.

The partnership with Gotion High-Tech also enables us to integrate with Gotion’s global supply chain network for critical battery materials. This integration helps in mitigating the risks associated with supply chain disruptions by ensuring a steady and reliable supply of essential raw materials needed for battery manufacturing. Such integration is crucial in maintaining production continuity and meeting market demands even during global disruptions.

Furthermore, the agreement with Gotion High-Tech is a significant step towards accelerating the establishment of the Amara Raja Giga Corridor. The Giga Corridor will enhance Amara Raja's capacity to meet the growing demand for batteries in various sectors, including electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics. This strategic move will position us as a key player in the global battery market.

In addition, we are also investing significantly in R&D to improve our battery manufacturing prowess. These innovations will help in maintaining a competitive edge while being adaptive to changing market conditions.