Tiki Rajwi By

Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: IT’S one space-tech spin-off that could prove a game changer in India’s quest for the ideal — read cost-effective — electric vehicle. If things pan out, the lithium-ion battery developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) here at Thumba nearly eight years ago will see commercial production soon.

The Central Government is actively pursuing the possibility of using the technology for pushing electric vehicle technology on Indian roads. VSSC director S Somanath told Express the NITI Aayog has called a meeting on Friday to discuss the possibility of finding industry partners for developing commercial-grade lithium-ion batteries at cost-effective rates. The meeting is expected to provide a clear picture regarding the transfer of technology to industries for commercial development.

“We’ve already held meetings with the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways as well as its secretary. The modalities on our side for transfer of technology have been completed,” said Somanath. Last week, meetings were also held with the secretary, Industries, in New Delhi.

Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) VSSC describes its lithium-ion cell as a “green alternative to fossil fuels”. The technology finds application in electric vehicle transport and communication sector. The VSSC has been looking for an industrial partner for this technology since 2011.

In the meantime, it has successfully demonstrated it on a scooter. Besides, the battery is now widely used in the launch vehicles and satellites of the ISRO, of which the VSSC is the lead agency for launch vehicles.

“We’ve demonstrated the battery on a scooter. But we used a space grade battery for the purpose. For commercial development and use in road transport, you need to have commercial grade ones. Also, the real challenge is developing commercial quality lithium-ion batteries cost-effectively,” Somanath said.

Recently, NITI Aayog member and former DRDO chief V K Saraswat had underlined the need to set up lithium-ion battery plants to transform India into a major player in electric vehicle technology.

In January, a panel headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha also called for the commercial use of ISRO’s lithium-ion battery under the ‘Make In India’ initiative.