Indian conglomerates Tata Group and JSW Group are planning to invest nearly $1 billion collectively to build domestic expertise in electric vehicle (EV) and battery technologies, as Indian companies accelerate efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese technology and supply chains.
According to people familiar with the matter, both groups are separately establishing advanced research and development facilities focused on next-generation battery systems, EV software, and localization of critical technologies.
The investments come at a time when China, the world’s largest EV and battery ecosystem, has become increasingly cautious about transferring advanced battery technologies amid rising geopolitical tensions and the ongoing tariff conflict with the United States.
Agratas, Tata Group’s battery unit, is reportedly investing more than $400 million in a new R&D center in Bengaluru. The facility will focus on developing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and lithium manganese iron phosphate battery technologies, areas where Indian manufacturers currently depend heavily on Chinese expertise and imports.
LFP batteries are increasingly gaining importance globally due to their growing use in both EVs and battery energy storage systems. Tata’s strategy is aimed at eventually manufacturing these battery cells domestically while also building proprietary intellectual property capabilities.
An Agratas spokesperson said the company’s global R&D programme is progressing through advanced laboratories in Bengaluru and Oxford to support next-generation battery innovation.
Meanwhile, JSW Motors, the passenger vehicle arm of the JSW Group led by Sajjan Jindal, plans to invest at least $500 million over the next five to six years in a research hub in Maharashtra.
According to CEO Ranjan Nayak, the center will focus on adapting global vehicle technologies for Indian conditions, while also building proprietary software, connected vehicle systems, and localized EV platforms.
The investments reflect a broader strategic shift across India’s automotive industry as companies attempt to reduce technology dependence on overseas partners and strengthen domestic manufacturing ecosystems.
With EV adoption accelerating and supply chain vulnerabilities becoming more visible, Indian conglomerates are increasingly viewing battery technology and vehicle software as critical long-term strategic capabilities rather than outsourced components.
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