Hindalco Industries, the metals flagship of the Aditya Birla Group, has delivered 10,000 aluminum battery enclosures to Mahindra for its electric SUVs, marking a significant milestone in the company’s entry into the EV component sector. The delivery coincides with the unveiling of Hindalco’s new EV component manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune, which has been set up with an investment of ₹500 crore. The facility, spread across 5 acres, has a current capacity to produce 80,000 enclosures annually, with plans to scale up to 160,000 units.
The battery enclosures, co-developed with Mahindra, offer several benefits, including up to 40% weight reduction compared to traditional steel designs, which enables an 8-10% improvement in vehicle range, enhanced crash safety, and improved thermal management for battery cooling. The enclosures also use low-carbon aluminum, making them a sustainable choice. Approximately 3,000 Mahindra EVs equipped with these aluminum battery enclosures are already on Indian roads.
The partnership between Hindalco and Mahindra is expected to play a significant role in the growth of India’s EV ecosystem, with Hindalco planning to offer similar solutions to other Indian and global OEMs. The company’s entry into the EV component sector is also expected to create up to 1,000 jobs and aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Notably, the plant employs predominantly women as machine operators, highlighting Hindalco’s commitment to workplace diversity.
The demand for battery-grade aluminum and associated components is expected to grow as India’s EV value chain matures, driven by the expansion of battery manufacturing facilities. Hindalco’s investment positions the company to capitalize on this emerging market, with its expertise in materials development and manufacturing capabilities making it a key player in the EV component sector. As the world’s largest aluminum company by revenue, Hindalco is well-positioned to co-create the next generation of automotive solutions and drive growth in the EV sector. With its commitment to sustainability and diversity, Hindalco is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.