Pune-based Rechargion Energy has marked a significant milestone in the clean energy sector by securing IEC62660/IS16893 safety test validation for its sodium-ion battery from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The company, a spin-off from CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory, is pioneering sodium-ion technology as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries.
Successful Testing by ARAI
The Homologation and Technology Centre of ARAI conducted extensive testing of Rechargion Energy’s sodium-ion battery cells over a period of two months. The results confirmed the safety, durability, and performance of these advanced cells.
Key Tests Conducted:
- Vibration and mechanical shock
- Crushing and high temperature endurance
- Short circuit and overcharge resistance
- Forced discharge testing
- Long-term cycle performance
These rigorous evaluations highlight the robustness of Rechargion Energy’s sodium-ion chemistry and its potential for deployment in electric mobility solutions.
Focus on E-Mobility Applications
Rechargion Energy aims to channel this breakthrough towards the 2W and 3W electric vehicle segment, where affordability and reliability are critical.
CEO Dr. Vilas Shelke emphasized:
“We shall try to leverage this breakthrough for e-mobility applications with a particular focus on the 2W and 3W segment. Currently, we can produce 10 Ah capacity cells with more than 10,000 cycle life at our pilot plant facility. We will scale up the end-to-end manufacturing for 500–1000 cells per day with expected commercialisation in 12–15 months.”
Scaling Up Manufacturing
The company is now preparing to scale production beyond its pilot facility:
- Current output: 10 Ah cells with >10,000 cycle life
- Upcoming target: 500–1000 cells per day
- Commercialisation timeline: 12–15 months
This positions Rechargion Energy as one of the few players in India ready to bring sodium-ion technology to market at scale.
Strategic Importance of Sodium-Ion Technology
Sodium-ion batteries are gaining global attention due to:
- Abundant raw material availability compared to lithium
- Lower cost of production
- High safety profile with reduced risk of thermal runaway
- Sustainability benefits by minimizing dependence on scarce resources
With successful validation from ARAI, Rechargion Energy is well on its way to becoming a frontrunner in India’s battery innovation landscape, driving a cleaner and more self-reliant e-mobility ecosystem.
