State-run Indian Oil Corporation is set to launch first of its kind “aluminium-based air batteries” known for its costeffectiveness and a potential alternative to lithium-ion batteries for use in electric vehicles and other stationary applications, for which it has set 2025 as its target year with an eye to replace lithium-ion batteries.
Announcing this, LKS Chauhan, executive director and state head, West Bengal state office said that the idea is to manufacture these batteries in sites closer to demand centres needed for electric vehicles, for, which the IOC executive director claimed that 300 charging stations would come up in due course as work to this end is in progress though 237 are already in operation in Kolkata.
IOC bought a minority stake in Israel-based startup Phinergy that specialises in aluminium air and zinc air battery systems.
“The aluminum-based batteries would reduce the cost and their adoption by the EV and other vehicles,” said Mr Chouhan.
Besides, Indian Oil has declared 2023 as the year of strengthening the green resolve. With this theme in target the IOC has taken a resolve to achieve a 20 per cent ethanol blending target throughout the nation by 2025.