Tata Group’s battery arm, Agratas Energy Storage Solutions Pvt., is preparing to manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells using its own technology for the first time, as the company moves towards greater self-reliance in battery manufacturing.
According to sources familiar with the development, Agratas is setting up a pilot production line for LFP cells at its upcoming battery manufacturing facility in Sanand, Gujarat. The initiative comes amid tighter restrictions by China on the export of critical manufacturing technologies, prompting Indian companies to develop domestic capabilities.
A team of engineers from India, South Korea and China will work together to refine manufacturing processes and validate the initial batches of LFP cells produced at the pilot facility. Commercial production is expected to begin after successful testing and process optimisation.
The shift marks a strategic change for Agratas, which had earlier explored technology partnerships with Chinese companies. However, restrictions on technology transfers have reduced the possibility of such agreements, leading the company to focus on developing its own capabilities.
The move is expected to increase costs and extend the timeline for scaling up LFP cell production. In comparison, Agratas’ plans for nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) cells have progressed faster due to a technology licensing agreement with Japan’s Automotive Energy Supply Corporation. The development highlights Tata Group’s efforts to build a stronger domestic battery ecosystem and reduce dependence on overseas technology for critical energy storage solutions.
