When lithium battery technology first emerged in India, its integration into the electric vehicle (EV) sector faced substantial hurdles, primarily due to the high costs. Manufacturers, recognizing the potential of lithium batteries for EVs, sought ways to lower production costs.
Mahesh Behra, Co-Founder & COO
However, this drive for affordability led to compromised manufacturing practices, sacrificing quality for lower prices. Consequently, substandard batteries became prevalent, adversely impacting the performance and safety of EVs. High-profile incidents of vehicles catching fire due to faulty batteries further undermined consumer confidence, deterring potential buyers and highlighting the critical need for both cost-effective and high-quality lithium battery solutions. It was companies like Volticgreen Mobility that tackled these challenges head-on by focusing on superior raw material selection, meticulous design, best-in-class manufacturing practices and advanced technology integration.
Volticgreen Mobility is a brainchild of two IITians, Sridhar Iyer and Mahesh Behra, who hold collective experience of 65+ years in the Technology and Manufacturing industries. The two schoolmates are on a mission to transform the Energy Generation and Storage sector; contributing to the protection of the environment. Their batteries are sold under the brand name of GREENVOLTZ.
Volticgreen Mobility’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of the intricacies of battery chemistry and electrical engineering. The company prioritizes maintaining high quality in battery design and performance tailored to specific applications such as electric vehicles (EVs), Solar/uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Each application presents unique challenges. For EVs, batteries must withstand constant movement, impacts, and vibrations, necessitating a robust design. In contrast, static battery applications, like UPS systems, face challenges such as high current draws and heat management, requiring different design considerations.
Addressing these challenges begins with meticulous battery design tailored to the application. The firm designs its batteries with carefully selected cells arranged in parallel and series to meet specific voltage and current requirements. “The cells are sourced only from reputed manufacturers, predominantly from China, Korea, Europe, and the US, ensuring reliability and performance,” says Mahesh Behra, Co-Founder and COO of Volticgreen Mobility.
The company ensures longevity and reliability by opting for high-quality components. “Instead of using the conventional nickel-coated steel for busbars, which are prone to rust and inefficiency, we employ pure nickel strips,” says Sridhar Iyer, Founder and CEO at Volticgreen Mobility. “Although these strips are significantly more expensive, they enhance the battery’s performance and durability, translating into a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance costs," he further adds. In addition, the company employs an advanced software-based Battery Management System (BMS). The BMS monitors and manages the cells’ energy supply, voltage, power output, and temperature. It is designed to cut off the system if temperatures exceed safe limits, protecting the battery and the connected systems from potential damage.
From establishing its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Noida to overcoming initial market skepticism regarding domestic lithium battery production, the company has demonstrated its capability through successful product deployments across diverse customer profiles in northern and southern India. Customer satisfaction has been pivotal, with multiple clients endorsing Volticgreen's products for their reliability and performance, a testament to their breakthrough in a competitive landscape.
Volticgreen plans to expand its manufacturing footprint with a new facility in Pune, designed to cater specifically to India's western and southern regions. The expansion aligns with its strategy to diversify into ESS, focusing on large-scale battery solutions for Data Center, hospitals and corporate sector applications. Its upcoming projects include supplying large battery banks for solar energy storage to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based generators in environmentally sensitive areas like Dubai. Volticgreen's future roadmap underscores its commitment to innovation and sustainability, positioning it as one of the leaders in India’s evolving battery technology sector.