Ola Electric to set up USD 500 million EV battery R&D unit in Bengaluru

Ola Electric Mobility is reportedly planning to invest USD 500 million in Bengaluru to establish a Battery Innovation Centre (BIC) which could be the world's largest and most sophisticated cell R&D facility with over 165 unique and cutting-edge laboratory equipment. The unit will specialize in developing batteries as well as fuel India's progress in becoming a hub for EVs on a global scale.

According to the electric vehicles manufacturer, Ola's BIC will house Proto lines that can make all cell types, including pouch, cylindrical, coin, and prismatic. Moreover, the center will be equipped to generate comprehensive packages of battery pack design, production, and testing all under one roof.

For creating new battery materials, BIC is expected to be outfitted with an in-house crystal structure analysis facility, integrated with molecular dynamics simulation facilities and a “Hand-in-Hand” and nanoscale analysis, as well as an ability to produce anode and cathode materials on an mg to kg scale.

Ola’s BIC will recruit qualified talent globally, including 500 PhDs and engineers, supported by an additional 1,000 researchers in India and other international centers, as cited by the EV maker.

According to the founder and CEO of Ola Electric Bhavish Aggarwal, electric mobility is a fast-growing industry and requires heavy R&D investments. Ola's Battery Innovation Center in Bengaluru will serve as the hub for core cell technology research and battery innovation for India as well as the rest of the world.

Recently, Ola announced the the NMC 2170, the company’s first Li-ion cell, and is anticipated to start mass production of the cell at its upcoming gigafactory by 2023.

For those unaware, the company is establishing a cell manufacturing plant with an initial capacity of up to 20 GWh, localizing the crucial stage in the value chain of EVs, according to a recent grant of 20GWh capacity by the government for the development of advanced cells in India under the ACC PLI scheme.

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https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/renewables/ola-to-invest-500-million-to-set-up-battery-innovation-centre-in-bengaluru/articleshow/92959591.cms