Ashok Leyland signs LoI with Phinergy to use their aluminium air battery technology for electric CVs

In another step towards electrification of commercial vehicles in India, Ashok Leyland Limited, one of the largest commercial vehicle manufacturers in India, has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Israeli firm Phinergy to use their aluminium air batteries for electric CVs in India.

The development took place as an outcome of the Israeli PM’s recent visit to India and it was announced to the stock exchanges on January 17, 2018. Phinergy develops clean and high energy-density systems based on metal-air technology. Along with making aluminium-air battery, Phinergy has developed a technology to generate electricity using aluminium as an energy source. ALL plans to use this technology for its electric CVs in India. The next few months will be utilized in developing prototypes and pilot trials.

Phinergy’s technological expertise in aluminium air batteries is expected to benefit ALL in their electric CV strategies. Indian automakers have been developing components independently or entering into technology agreements with global players for such projects.

ALL manufactures trucks, buses, tippers, trailers and defence vehicles in India and has a market share of about 18%. The company also manufactures engines for industrial and marine applications, spare parts and special alloy castings. ALL produces about 1, 50,000 vehicles annually across six manufacturing facilities.