battery manufacturing

Cygni Energy, incubated at IIT Madras, has launched the first phase of its automated battery energy storage system gigafactory in Hyderabad with a Rs 100 crore investment. The facility has a 4.8GWh capacity for EV and energy storage battery packs. The company plans to double the capacity by 2027 with an additional Rs 150 crore investment, creating over 1,000 jobs.

CATL's new 'Shenxing' battery significantly enhances EV performance with ultra-fast charging, adding 520 km of range in just five minutes. This next-gen battery, set to be in over 67 EV models by year's end, also boasts improved cold-weather performance and longer overall range. CATL is also developing a dual-battery system for release around 2027-2028, targeting a 1500 km range.

The 39 Gorkha Training Centre in Varanasi has developed lightweight, 3D-printed surveillance drones with easily replaceable parts, showcased at the Surya Drona Tech-2025 event. These drones, designed and manufactured in-house, feature a 10 km range, 20-30 minute battery life, and VR capabilities, enabling live feeds for ground troops.

Hungary is steadfast in its economic alliance with China, despite U.S. calls to reduce reliance on Beijing. Economy Minister Marton Nagy highlighted the absence of comparable U.S. investment and a terminated tax treaty as barriers.

JSW MG Motor India is set to upgrade its best-selling Windsor EV with advanced technology and enhanced performance. Spotted with an 'ADAS' badge, the updated model will likely include features like lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. Alongside, a larger battery pack is expected to extend the current 332 km range.

The Metals Company (TMC), a Canadian firm, has applied to the US for deep-sea mineral mining in international waters, a first of its kind. Supported by Trump's initiative, TMC aims to extract minerals vital for electric vehicle batteries from the Pacific Ocean's Clarion-Clipperton Zone. CEO Gerard Barron hails it as a boost for America's mineral independence.

The Redmi Watch Move, Xiaomi's first locally manufactured smartwatch in India, features a 1.85-inch AMOLED display with 600 nits brightness and offers multiple health tracking features. Priced at Rs 1,999, it boasts over 140 workout modes, accurate health monitoring, and a battery life of up to 15 days. The watch has IP68 rating and runs on Xiaomi HyperOS.

Lower running costs may be offset by bigger, hidden expenses, usage issues and infrastructure problems. Consider these factors before deciding to buy an electric vehicle

JSW MG Motor India will launch the upgraded Windsor EV, named 'Windsor Pro,' on May 6, 2025. Building on the success of the current Windsor, which has been India's best-selling EV for seven months, the Pro version is expected to feature a larger battery for an improved range of up to 460 km and may include ADAS features.

For over a decade, Indonesia's Harita Group has systematically polluted the village of Kawasi with toxic chromium 6 from its nickel mine, impacting drinking water and residents' health. Internal documents reveal the company concealed this contamination while supplying nickel for electric vehicle batteries.

To enhance e-rickshaw safety, the government will introduce a "Star Rating" system, limiting speeds to 25 kmph and improving structural integrity. Road transport minister Nitin Gadkari announced this initiative, alongside plans for rating trucks and heavy vehicles, at a safety workshop.

Gujarat is incentivizing electric vehicle adoption with a 5% tax exemption, effectively reducing the tax to 1% until March 2026. Announced by Minister Harsh Sanghavi, this initiative aims to promote eco-friendly mobility and ease the financial burden on EV buyers. Citizens can avail the benefit through the Vahan 4.0 portal.