BENGALURU: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), on Tuesday issued a Request for Qualification (RFQ), for transfer of its in-house technology of Li-ion (Lithium Ion) cell.

Developed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Isro is looking for competent Indian Industries on non-exclusive basis to establish Li-ion cell production facilities in the country.

“This initiative is expected to enable Zero Emission Policy of India and accelerate the development of indigenous electric vehicle industry,” Isro said.

The RFQ comes months after a cabinet committee recommended that Isro’s technology must be used commercially, especially for electric vehicles under the 'Make In India’ programme.

Late last year, former Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chief and Niti Aayog member VK Saraswat had said that India should have large Li-ion cell manufacturing plants, so as to reduce dependence on China and Japan.

The RFQ intends to qualify and shortlist suitable industries in India/Start-ups based on eligibility criteria through an open evaluation process in accordance with the procedures set out in the document.

“Presently, Lithium-ion battery is the most dominating battery system which finds applications for a variety of societal needs including mobile phones, laptops, PDA, cameras and many other portable consumer gadgets. Recent advances in Li-ion battery technology have made it the preferred power source for electric and hybrid electric vehicles also,” the document read.

It added that Li-ion cells find wide applications in electronic gadgets, telecommunication, industrial applications as well as in aerospace .

Isro will be offering to transfer this technology to competent Indian Industries/Start-ups on non-exclusive basis to establish Li-ion cell production facilities in the country that can produce cells of varying size, capacity, energy density and power density catering to the entire spectrum of power storage requirements.

