The first batch of advanced chemistry cell batteries will be manufactured in India by January 2024, according to Union Minister Mahindra Nath Pandey on September 12. The PLI (Production Linked Incentives) scheme for manufacturing ACC (Advanced Chemistry Cell) batteries was approved by the government in May 2021, with an estimated outlay of Rs 18,100 crore.

ACCs are advanced energy storage technologies of the next generation that can store electric energy as electrochemical or chemical energy and convert it back to electric energy as needed.

"We will see the start of manufacturing of ACC batteries in the country in December this year or by January next year," said the Union Minister of Heavy Industries.

Pandey was speaking at the 63rd annual convention of the auto industry body SIAM, which was held in this city.In India, imports are currently meeting all of the demand for ACCs.

To support the automobile industry, the minister stated that the government has implemented various policies such as PLI and FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles).

He stated that the industry has well received the Rs 25,938 crore PLI scheme for the automobile industry. According to Pandey, the government has extended the scheme by one year after consulting with the industry.

He also stated that the government has added two new agencies for vehicle and component testing: the Global Automotive Research Centre (GARC) in Chennai and the National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Madhya Pradesh.