Everybody looking for China Plus One options, says Godi India CEO

'We are in the process of closing around $40 million and also working to raise $150 million', said Mahesh Godi

Hyderabad-based Godi India, which is set to become the first Indian commercial manufacturer of lithium-ion cells this August, is betting big on the growth of electric vehicles in the country. Mahesh Godi, founder and chief executive officer, talks to Shine Jacob about the company’s road map and the sector’s potential in India. Edited excerpts:

You have formed a public-private partnership with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Electrochemical Research Institute. What is its significance?

To date, no company in India has a commercial lithium-ion cell manufacturing facility or technology. We have validation and testing done by TUV (a third-party