Tata Chemicals to foray into lithium-ion battery sector

Tata Chemicals is considering entry into the lithium-ion battery sector to develop cell chemistries in order to reap benefit from the opportunities arising from the electric vehicles industry in India. The company's annual report hinted about growth in its Specialty Products Business.

The Indian government’s impetus for use of electric vehicles through incentives, policy changes and own consumption with a view to achieve a major shift to EVs by 2030 would provide enormous opportunity for players who produce lithium-ion batteries.

The company is looking to set-up facility for the manufacture of cathode materials and the recovery and purification of cathode (Lithium, Cobalt, Manganese and Nickel compounds) and anode active ingredients from spent lithium-ion cells or batteries. The company aims to set up this operation through collaborations with Central Electro Chemical Research Institute, Indian Space Research Organisation and Centre for Materials for Electronics Technology.

The company has undertaken research in lithium battery actives and recycling. Tata Chemicals at present produces Crushed Refined Soda which is used in the battery manufacturing industry.