Production of advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries in India is set to begin by January 2024, according to Union Minister for Heavy Industries, Mahindra Nath Pandey. This follows the government’s approval of the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme in May 2021, with an allocation of Rs 18,100 crore to boost local manufacturing of ACC batteries.  

These batteries are crucial for the production of hybrid and electric vehicles in India and are currently imported due to high demand. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent supply chain disruptions highlighted the need for local production of these critical components. The minister also mentioned the success of the Rs 25,938 crore PLI scheme for the auto sector and various policies like FAME to support the automobile industry in India.  

Testing facilities have been expanded with the addition of the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) and National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX). Currently, the tests are conducted only at the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Pune, and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (iCAT), Manesar (Haryana).