Charge of the sodium-ion brigade: How India can power e-mobility industry

India could well emerge as a global hub for manufacturing sodium-ion batteries, which is seen as an alternative or complementary technology to the more expensive lithium ion-powered batteries.

KPIT Technologies may not ring a bell. But this Pune-based company, which has global German car-makers as clients, has been working quietly for six years on sodium-ion battery technology to replace lithium-ion in certain segments of the auto market. Executives in the company say they have started scouting for partners to manufacture the battery based on their technology in India, which could take 12-15 months after the agreement is signed.
 
Keeping KPIT company is business behemoth Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), which has made a big gamble in renewables. Late last year, it acquired UK-based start-up Faradion, a pioneer in