Which two Indian conglomerates are investing nearly $1 billion in EV and battery technology, and what are their respective investment amounts and strategic focuses?

Tata Group and JSW Group are the two Indian conglomerates investing nearly $1 billion collectively in electric-vehicle and battery technologies. Tata’s battery unit, Agratas Ltd., is spending more than $400 million on a new R&D facility in Bengaluru focused on developing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium manganese iron phosphate battery technologies to reduce dependence on Chinese imports; the center aims to enable domestic development and eventual manufacturing of these cells and build intellectual property. JSW Motors Ltd. plans to invest at least $500 million over five to six years in a research hub in Maharashtra, focusing on localizing vehicles developed with global partners, building proprietary software capabilities, and advancing connected vehicle technology—specifically adapting global automotive tech to Indian road conditions and price points while meeting global quality benchmarks at Indian cost structures.

Why are Tata and JSW pursuing domestic R&D in batteries and EV systems, according to the news?

Tata and JSW are pursuing domestic R&D in batteries and EV systems to reduce reliance on Chinese technology amid China’s growing reluctance to share critical battery and EV expertise—especially as Beijing tightens control over tech exports and becomes more selective about technology transfer due to US-China tariff tensions and heightened regulatory scrutiny; this shift has caused delays, higher compliance burdens, and uncertain access to the latest technologies for Indian firms that previously built EV programs around Chinese partnerships.

Two Indian Conglomerates to Invest $1 Billion in EV and Battery Technology

May 7, 2026

Tata Group and JSW Group plan to invest nearly $1 billion in domestic EV and battery R&D to reduce reliance on Chinese technology. Tata focuses on lithium iron phosphate cells while JSW targets vehicle localization and software capabilities.

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Two Indian Conglomerates to Invest $1 Billion in EV and Battery Technology

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