The batteries can be exchanged at Reliance’s swap stations or recharged at home with rooftop solar panels, which they also intend to offer.
Reliance Industries, unveiled its versatile battery storage tech for EVs, emphasizing its commitment to clean energy. Led by Mukesh Ambani, the company presented batteries for EVs that can also power home appliances via an inverter during a renewable energy showcase. As company representatives explain, this technology enables a single battery to be used for transportation and home utilities. However, they did not specify when these batteries would be available for sale.
Users can exchange these batteries at Reliance’s swap stations or recharge them using rooftop solar panels, another product Reliance plans to introduce. This battery initiative is part of Reliance’s $10 billion commitment to green projects, aiming for net zero carbon by 2035 and reducing its reliance on its primary oil-to-chemical business.
In its pursuit, Reliance acquired two battery firms for around $200 million each in 2021 and 2022: UK’s Faradion, which produces sodium-ion batteries, and Lithium Werks, known for lithium iron phosphate batteries. The showcased battery at the event was based on LFP chemistry.
Reliance’s plans, as highlighted at the event, include creating customizable batteries for various needs, smart swap stations, and cohesive charging networks. While the company doesn’t intend to manufacture EVs, collaborations with EV manufacturers are in the pipeline.
Last year, Reliance secured an incentive to establish a 5 GWh battery production facility as part of India’s $2.4 billion program to enhance domestic battery cell production. This factory, scheduled for completion by 2026, will produce batteries and containerized energy storage solutions.
India views clean auto technology as pivotal to reducing urban pollution and achieving broader environmental targets. The high costs, predominantly due to battery imports and insufficient charging infrastructure, limit EV sales in the country. The government advocates for swappable batteries to reduce expenses and foster greater EV adoption.
