In India, Ather Energy is quite an established company and a prominent electric two-wheeler manufacturer has taken a significant step forward in advancing domestic battery cell technology. Reportedly, On August 1, 2024, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies (ARACT), a subsidiary of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility (ARE&M). The goal of this strategic alliance is to create and provide cutting-edge lithium-ion cells for Ather's battery packs, namely Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cells.
Fostering Homegrown Innovation
Tarun Mehta, the Co-founder and CEO of Ather Energy, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for the company’s growth and innovation. He highlighted that while most of Ather's components are sourced domestically, the cells were an exception until now. This new agreement will enable Ather to source customized lithium-ion cells tailored to their specific needs, reducing costs and enhancing the company’s ability to innovate and scale efficiently. Mehta expressed his vision for this partnership to significantly bolster the domestic industry, supporting India’s burgeoning energy demands.
Amara Raja’s Commitment to E-Mobility
Vikramaditya Gourineni, Executive Director of Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd, praised Ather’s contributions to India’s electric mobility sector. He acknowledged Ather’s unique approach to developing sustainable personal mobility solutions and expressed pride in partnering with them. Gourineni shared that Amara Raja has made significant progress in creating world-class facilities to manufacture cells and battery packs customized for Indian conditions. Their recent collaboration with Gotion-InoBat further accelerates these efforts. Together, Ather and Amara Raja aim to create market-relevant solutions, advancing India’s journey towards indigenizing electric vehicle technologies.
Ather Energy’s Manufacturing Expansion
Ather Energy has been at the forefront of electric vehicle innovation, designing and building its battery packs in-house. Currently, Ather operates two manufacturing facilities in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, one dedicated to battery production and the other for vehicle assembly. To expand its market reach, Ather recently announced plans to open a third facility in Maharashtra. This new facility will enable Ather to cater to more markets across the country, enhancing their production capabilities and distribution network.
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Amara Raja’s Vision for Energy Storage
Amara Raja is dedicated to providing cutting-edge products and solutions for the e-mobility and energy storage markets. The company aims to become one of the largest manufacturers of lithium-ion and advanced chemistry cells in India. To achieve this, Amara Raja has committed an investment of Rs 9,500 crores to establish a 16GWh capacity gigafactory in Telangana. Additionally, the company is setting up a state-of-the-art advanced research and innovation center called ‘ePositive Energy Labs’ in Hyderabad. This facility will spearhead India’s R&D capabilities in energy storage technologies.
About Ather Energy
Founded in 2013 by IIT Madras alumni Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, Ather Energy has rapidly emerged as a leading electric vehicle manufacturer in India. Ather launched its first electric scooter, the Ather 450, in 2018, followed by the Ather 450X in 2020. In August 2023, Ather introduced the 450S and two variants of the 450X, and in April 2024, they launched their first family scooter, Rizta. Ather has also established a public charging network, Ather Grid, with 1900 fast chargers across 200 cities. With over 232 patent applications, 300+ trademarks, and 200+ design registrations, Ather is committed to providing the best ownership experience. As of March 2024, Ather operates 208 experience centers in India and one in Nepal.
About Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Limited
Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Limited (ARE&M) offers a wide range of solutions, including energy storage, lithium-ion cell manufacturing, EV chargers, and battery pack assembly. ARE&M is one of India’s largest manufacturers of energy storage products for industrial and automotive applications. The company supplies products to major sectors, including telecom, UPS, railways, and power, oil, and gas industries. Amara Raja’s automotive battery brands, Amaron® and Powerzone, are well-known in the market. The company also exports its industrial and automotive batteries to over 50 countries worldwide.
Overall, The partnership between Ather Energy and Amara Raja marks a significant milestone in India’s electric vehicle industry. By focusing on developing advanced lithium-ion cells domestically, this collaboration will enhance Ather’s innovation capabilities and support the country’s energy needs. With Ather’s expanding manufacturing facilities and Amara Raja’s commitment to cutting-edge energy storage solutions, the future of electric mobility in India looks promising. This strategic alliance is set to drive the indigenization of electric vehicle technologies, paving the way for a sustainable and energy-efficient future.
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