The Niti Aayog is working out a policy roadmap for use of alternate technologies for fuel cells to power future vehicles in the country. The aim is to reduce dependence on China, which controls 80% of global reserves for lithium, reduce cost and make India self-reliant in battery technology.
The Aayog has begun deliberations on sodium ion batteries, aluminium air batteries and zinc air batteries, a senior government official told ET.
The technology could be first introduced in commercial vehicles and two-wheelers before it is introduced for cars because of the low energy density of sodium and other ions compared to lithium ions, making the latter more powerful.
“The technology is being examined to look at their commercial viability… a policy framework will be worked out after that,” the official said.
India is keen to reduce dependence on China to avoid supply chain problems in…