A Pune-based startup, Rechargion Energy, is at the forefront of developing a sodium-ion battery that it claims is ‘100% safe’ and utilizes Indian raw materials. Founded in 2021, the company is led by Dr. Vilas Shelke and Dr. Manjusha Shelke, who is also a Chief Scientist at the National Chemical Laboratory (NCL).
Indigenous Technology for Safer, Sustainable Batteries
Rechargion Energy, an official spin-off from CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), has developed a laboratory-scale prototype of a rechargeable sodium-ion battery. This innovative technology is based on patented hard carbon material and sodium compounds, positioning it as a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. The development is crucial for advancing India’s electric mobility initiatives and reducing dependence on imported battery materials.
Unlike lithium-ion batteries, the raw materials for these sodium-ion batteries are domestically available and significantly cheaper. The novelty lies in Rechargion Energy’s patented electrode materials and the use of a polymer as the anode material, which makes the batteries commercially viable. This approach addresses the current challenges in India’s commercial lithium-ion battery manufacturing, which faces substantial import dependence on cells, materials, and components, alongside concerns about battery-related fires.
Path to Commercialization and Investment
The startup has garnered support from various entities, including the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries, the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum, and Tata Power-backed Social Alpha, to scale up pilot-level manufacturing. Further support comes from ARAI, Venture Centre, Pune, and Rice University, Houston, USA, aiding in the development of a market-fit product. Rechargion Energy has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
The company anticipates having a minimum viable product with field demonstrations ready by the end of the current year. The projected cost is between Rs. 11-12 per watt-hour, with an impressive battery life of 12-15 years. The operating temperature range is deemed suitable for both harsh Indian summers and cold winters.
Broader Context of Sodium-Ion Battery Development in India
The development by Rechargion Energy aligns with a growing trend in India to explore and develop sodium-ion battery technology. Companies like KPIT Technologies, also based in Pune, have introduced their own sodium-ion battery technology, developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune. KPIT’s technology offers an extended lifespan, faster charging, and utilizes abundant raw materials, making electric mobility more affordable. This technology is being commercialized through Trentar Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Furthermore, Reliance Industries has made significant strides in the sodium-ion battery space through its acquisition of UK-based startup Faradion. Reliance plans to integrate Faradion’s technology into its proposed gigafactory at Jamnagar, Gujarat, aiming to produce battery energy storage systems and battery packs. Other players like Ola Electric are also exploring advanced battery technologies, including sodium-ion and solid-state batteries, to reduce import dependency and enhance the cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles.
Indi Energy, another Indian startup, is also involved in the development and commercialization of sodium-ion batteries and their components, emphasizing energy independence and sustainability. The focus across these initiatives is to leverage India’s abundant resources, reduce reliance on imported lithium, and create a cost-effective and sustainable energy storage ecosystem for electric mobility and grid storage applications.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
