6th May 2025: Hindustan Zinc, part of the Vedanta Group, has made significant advances in its zinc-air battery technology. The company is developing a prototype for a 1 kWh rechargeable zinc-air battery module in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru.
The company’s initiative aims to enhance the development of electric vehicles through the use of zinc-based batteries. Arun Misra, the CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, stated, ‘We are strategically positioned to support this transition by producing vital metals such as zinc.’
Furthermore, the company is researching zinc-ion batteries, which have potential applications in electric vehicles, large-scale energy storage, and consumer electronics.
Experts point out that zinc-based batteries have several advantages for electric vehicles and energy storage, including non-flammable materials, a longer cycle life, a wide temperature range, and recyclability.
According to company representatives, these batteries can provide backup power for 3 to 72 hours and have a greenhouse gas footprint roughly six times lower than conventional technologies.
They also stated that the prospects for technological advancements and future commercial applications are promising, as zinc is a viable alternative to lithium due to its availability, stability, and cost-effectiveness, according to preliminary research findings. In addition, Hindustan Zinc has formed a partnership with AEsir Technologies of the United States to develop nickel-zinc battery technology.
