Hindalco Industries Limited has wrapped up the week on a high note, marking a strategic entry into the electric vehicle component sector by successfully delivering 10,000 aluminium battery enclosures to Mahindra for its BE 6 and XEV 9e electric SUVs and commissioning a dedicated EV component manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune.
The facility, established with a capital investment of INR 500 crores and spans over 5 acres within a national industrial park, is aligned with three key objectives. First, it marks Hindalco's strategic entry into EV component manufacturing. Second, it highlights the rising demand for lightweight, crash-resistant battery solutions. And third, it supports the Indian government's 'Make in India' initiative by creating 1,000 new jobs.
To address the growing demand, the plant plans to manufacture 160,000 tonnes of enclosures in the long run. For now, it starts with the production capacity of 80,000 enclosures annually.
Today, over 3,000 Mahindra EVs using these aluminium battery packs are already on Indian roads.
Why did Mahindra choose Hindalco's low-carbon aluminium battery enclosures over traditional steel designs? Because the former reduces up to 40 per cent weight, improves vehicle driving range by 8 to 10 per cent, enhances crash safety, and betters thermal management for battery cooling.
Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries, said: Our Chakan facility represents a strategic shift in the Indian EV ecosystem from import dependence to high performance, localised aluminium solutions."
He added, "We are proud to partner with Mahindra in this journey, which not only reflects our commitment to the mobility transition but also highlights Mahindra's leadership in driving the electrification of mobility in India."
Rajesh Jejurikar, ED and CEO (Auto and Farm Sector) at Mahindra & Mahindra, emphasised the partnership's significance by stating, "Mahindra is excited to partner with Hindalco in the creation of the EV journey. Their expertise in developing materials and strong engineering capabilities to offer new solutions have played a key role in developing efficient and sustainable battery enclosure solutions.”
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