India’s push to strengthen its electric vehicle ecosystem is gaining momentum as Tata Group and JSW Group prepare to invest nearly $1 billion in EV and battery technology development. The move reflects growing efforts by major Indian firms to reduce dependence on Chinese technology and build local expertise.
According to reports, both companies are separately investing in research and development centres focused on advanced EV systems and next-generation battery technologies.
Tata’s battery business, Agratas Ltd., is reportedly investing more than $400 million in a new R&D centre in Bengaluru. The facility will focus on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium manganese iron phosphate battery technologies. These battery cells are increasingly used in energy storage systems and electric vehicles.
The Bengaluru centre is expected to help Tata develop local manufacturing capabilities and build intellectual property in battery technology. Agratas currently works with nickel manganese cobalt battery technology sourced from South Korea.
In a statement, an Agratas spokesperson said, “Our global R&D programme is progressing well, supported by 2 state-of-the-art labs in Bengaluru and Oxford.” The company added that it is using advanced infrastructure and skilled talent to drive future battery innovation.
Meanwhile, JSW Motors Ltd. plans to invest at least $500 million over the next 5–6 years in a research hub in Maharashtra. According to CEO Ranjan Nayak, the facility will focus on adapting global vehicle technologies for Indian conditions, while also building proprietary software and connected vehicle capabilities.
The goal is to create products that meet international quality standards while remaining suitable for Indian roads and pricing requirements.
The investments come as global automotive companies reassess long-standing technology partnerships. Many EV manufacturers that depended heavily on Chinese technology are now facing delays, stricter compliance rules, and challenges in accessing advanced technologies.
China has reportedly become more selective about sharing critical EV and battery technologies amid rising global trade tensions. Several Indian companies have also faced difficulties in securing technology transfer agreements for future EV projects.
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