India's Lithium-ion Battery Market on the Rise

The lithium-ion battery (LiB) market in India is set for significant growth, driven by increasing demand from electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and stationary storage. A joint report by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) and Accenture forecasts total LiB demand to reach 115 GWh by 2030.

Challenges in the Path of Growth

Despite the optimistic outlook, India faces structural challenges, including heavy reliance on imports for critical battery materials and inadequate local manufacturing capabilities. The report highlights an estimated import exposure of over $5 billion by 2030.

Government Initiatives and Environmental Concerns

In response, the Indian government has launched several initiatives, such as the Critical Minerals Mission and Battery Waste Management Rules, to promote domestic manufacturing and ensure responsible disposal of used batteries. However, collection rates for end-of-life batteries remain low, posing environmental risks.

India's Clean Energy Goals

India's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and other COP26 pledges underscores the importance of scaling Li-ion battery production sustainably. The country's ability to meet these targets will depend on overcoming current challenges in the battery supply chain.