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Two of India’s largest conglomerates, Tata Group and JSW Group, are preparing to invest nearly $1 billion to build domestic capabilities in electric vehicle (EV) and battery technologies. The move reflects the growing push by Indian companies to reduce their dependence on Chinese technology and strengthen local manufacturing ecosystems.
According to sources, both groups are setting up separate research and development (R&D) centres aimed at developing in-house expertise in next-generation battery technologies and advanced EV systems.
Batteries are considered one of the most expensive and technically complex components in the EV industry. The planned investments are therefore being viewed as a significant step toward building local technology and manufacturing capabilities in India.
Tata Group’s battery unit, Agratas Ltd., is investing more than $400 million in a new R&D facility in Bengaluru. The centre will focus on developing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium manganese iron phosphate battery technologies, areas where the company currently relies heavily on China.
The facility is expected to help Tata develop and eventually manufacture these battery cells domestically while also building intellectual property (IP) capabilities. Agratas currently has access to nickel manganese cobalt battery technology sourced from South Korea.
An Agratas spokesperson stated that the company’s global R&D programme is progressing rapidly with support from advanced laboratories located in Bengaluru and Oxford.
Meanwhile, Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Motors Ltd. is also expanding its EV technology ambitions. The company plans to invest at least $500 million over the next five to six years to establish a research hub in Maharashtra.
According to JSW Motors CEO Ranjan Nayak, the centre will work on localising vehicles developed with global partners, building proprietary software capabilities and advancing connected vehicle technologies.
The company aims to adapt global automotive technologies to Indian road conditions, climate and pricing requirements in order to deliver globally competitive products at Indian cost structures.
The development comes at a time when China has become increasingly cautious about sharing advanced EV and battery technologies amid rising geopolitical tensions and the ongoing US-China tariff conflict.
Reports indicate that several Indian companies are facing delays, stricter regulatory scrutiny and challenges related to technology transfer in partnerships involving Chinese firms. Companies such as Reliance Industries have also reportedly encountered difficulties in securing advanced technology transfers through joint ventures.
