News, 20 November 2025
In a key strategic move, Exide Industries revealed that it plans to kick off production of lithium-ion cells by the end of fiscal year 2026 (FY26), with the initial focus on electric two-wheelers. The company says commissioning of its new facility is in the final stages and that it is already engaged in advanced negotiations with major two-wheeler OEMs, with two expected to become the first customers. The first production line will use NCM-based cylindrical cells tailored for e-scooters and bikes, followed by a prismatic LFP line aimed at stationary energy-storage applications.
Exide has invested approximately ₹3,947 crore into its subsidiary Exide Energy as of October 2025, which includes ₹580 crore infused in the first half of FY26 and another ₹65 crore recently. The company’s ramp-up plan includes reaching 60 % plant utilization initially, scaling up to 80-90 % over time. At those levels, margins are expected to align with Exide’s existing lead-acid business, based on global benchmarks. Pricing will be a mix of import-parity and cost-plus models; locally produced cells are expected to command a premium because of supply-chain uncertainties and higher quality oversight for domestic OEMs.
By structuring its entry into the EV battery cell market with a dual-chemistry approach (first NCM for mobility, then LFP for storage) and aligning with two-wheeler makers, Exide is positioning itself to become a more integrated player in India’s evolving battery ecosystem — a move likely to influence how mobility and stationary-storage demand shape domestic manufacturing in the years ahead.
Source: ETEnergyworld.com, Compiled using AI
