India’s lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery market is witnessing a remarkable growth trajectory, set to expand exponentially by 2031. In 2022, the market generated approximately $4.29 billion in revenue and is projected to reach around $25.30 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.1%. This surge is fueled by government initiatives aimed at fostering a more eco-friendly environment, including investments in infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities for Li-ion batteries, which find increasing use in electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and energy storage systems.
Key industry players, like Exide Industries, are investing significantly in the Li-ion cell manufacturing space, aligning with government schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for National Program on ACC Battery Storage. Geographically, the South zone of India leads in the Li-ion battery market due to its large assembling units and essential resources. Yet, the West zone, especially Gujarat and Maharashtra, is also emerging as a significant player, expecting a higher growth rate in the near future.
The rising usage of Li-ion batteries in EVs and electronic devices makes recycling an essential aspect of this industry. The Indian government has implemented laws offering tax benefits to recyclers and imposed regulations like the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), encouraging battery recycling and boosting the availability of domestic raw materials.
Various other initiatives include the establishment of Li-ion battery assembly factories by major companies and automakers, with collaborations and investments highlighting the sector’s growth potential. For instance, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. plans to establish a 1 GW battery manufacturing plant in collaboration with a foreign start-up, and Suzuki Motor Corp. is partnering to build a factory in Gujarat.
Despite these advancements, challenges such as the lack of a significant domestic manufacturing base, low EV adoption, and high raw material costs pose hurdles to the market’s growth. Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) batteries, known for their high energy density and long cycle life, are particularly significant in the EV sector and are expected to see considerable growth. The shift toward EVs is a major driving force behind the market growth, with Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) automotive OEM applications expected to experience the fastest CAGR.
Among various battery designs, pouch cells held the highest market value in 2022, known for their efficiency and versatility, and are expected to continue leading the market design trends. Prominent companies in this sector include ISRO, Amara Raja Group, Exide Industries Ltd., Panasonic Corporation, and Toshiba Corporation, among others.
In summary, India’s Li-ion battery market is poised for significant expansion by 2031, backed by government initiatives, increasing demand in various sectors, and substantial investments from key industry players. However, the market faces challenges like the need for a more robust domestic manufacturing base and the high cost of raw materials, which need to be addressed to sustain this growth.