Gigafactory 1
The world’s first gigafactory was created by Tesla. A ‘gigafactory’ is a factory able to produce battery cells at the gigawatt-hour level. Gigafactory 1 supplies the battery packs for Tesla’s electric vehicles and stationary storage systems. It has been estimated that Nevada will enjoy $100 billion in economic benefit over two decades from the construction and operation of this factory.
By November 2018, the Model 3 production had successfully ramped up to approximately 5000 vehicles a week for several months and the production rate of battery cells had reached 3.5 million “2170” cells per day! Of course, all of this achievement led many other companies to want one too. So, following Tesla’s lead, a consortium of companies have gotten together now in India to create their own gigafactory.
Indian Gigafactory
A recent announcement by Magnis Energy Technologies Limited confirmed that a deal with the Government of India, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, is soon to be complete. Once finalized, they will begin building what they are calling “India’s first Lithium-ion Battery Gigafactory” with state-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and LIBCOIN, which is partly owned by Magnis.
LIBCOIN Chairman Rajan Duggal commented on the announcement:
“Our plan is to be the largest Lithium-ion Battery manufacturer in India, and we aim to be the first mover in one of the world’s largest markets. The interest this project is generating especially in the Indian automobile sector is very exciting.”
All said and done, their factory will have a capacity of up to 30 GWh per year, which is comparable to what Tesla and Panasonic are producing at Gigafactory 1 at the moment.
Magnis Chairman Frank Poullas also commented:
“To have The Central Government of India endorse this project is very encouraging for both Magnis and its partners. We see India as one of the largest markets in the world for Lithium-ion batteries and to potentially build one of the world’s largest Lithium-ion battery Gigafactories with a partner who possesses the skill and expertise of BHEL is exciting for the company.”
India’s Cleaner Future
This project is to be part of Prime Minister Modi’s “Make in India, for India” program. The country has great ambitions when it comes to electric vehicles. This new gigafactory is one example of how India is taking steps into its energy security and clean energy commitment to the world.
India has the most polluted cities in the world, hopefully making cleaner technology available and affordable can change that.
