Hyundai Motor India and Amara Raja Energy revolutionise AGM battery technology

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has solidified its position as a leader in innovation by becoming the first automaker in India to adopt AGM battery technology manufactured domestically. The automaker has partnered with Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Limited (ARE&M) to introduce Made-in-India AGM batteries across its domestic product lineup. The announcement underscores Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability, localisation, and technological excellence in the Indian automotive sector.

The advanced AGM battery technology will be integrated into Hyundai’s vehicles by the fourth quarter of FY 2024-2025. This move reflects Hyundai’s strategy to support India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, aiming to reduce dependency on imports and enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities. Amara Raja’s AGM batteries, branded as AMARON, offer significant performance advantages over traditional options, including a 150% improvement in durability and an extended operational temperature range, making them ideal for Indian driving conditions.

Key Benefits of AGM Battery Technology

The AGM battery technology, which stands for Absorbent Glass Mat, is designed to address the evolving demands of modern vehicles. These batteries provide quick charging, higher power efficiency, and low self-discharge, making them particularly suited for cars equipped with ISG (Idle Stop and Go) systems. Unlike conventional CMF (Complete Maintenance Free) batteries, AGM batteries support higher electrical loads while ensuring smoother starts and better energy efficiency.

In rigorous real-world testing, the batteries demonstrated remarkable durability, outperforming conventional batteries under extreme conditions. This makes AGM batteries an essential component in meeting modern emission standards, including India’s BS6 Phase 2 norms, ensuring compliance with Real Driving Emissions (RDE) requirements.

Hyundai Motor India’s Role in Localisation

Hyundai’s collaboration with Amara Raja Energy represents a significant step in its localisation efforts. The company is already working closely with 194 suppliers for over 1,200 components and trims at its Chennai plant. This partnership with ARE&M aligns perfectly with Hyundai’s long-standing goal of introducing advanced, locally manufactured technologies that cater to Indian customers.

Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, Whole-time Director and Chief Manufacturing Officer at Hyundai Motor India, noted that the partnership is a testament to the company’s focus on innovation and localisation. He stated that working with an Indian company like Amara Raja demonstrates Hyundai’s unwavering commitment to sustainable and technologically advanced solutions.

Amara Raja Energy’s Commitment to Innovation

Amara Raja Energy, a leader in energy and mobility solutions, has played a pivotal role in the development of AGM battery technology. Harshavardhana Gourineni, Executive Director of ARE&M, emphasised that these batteries are designed not only for enhanced performance but also for environmental sustainability. By meeting stringent RDE norms, the AGM batteries ensure reduced emissions, supporting Hyundai’s broader sustainability goals.

The batteries are also cost-effective and environmentally friendly, reducing the carbon footprint by minimising reliance on imports. This localisation effort is expected to boost domestic manufacturing jobs while promoting economic growth in India.

Future Applications and Sustainability

The introduction of Made-in-India AGM batteries paves the way for Hyundai to develop next-generation vehicles with improved range, enhanced performance, and lower emissions. These batteries will enable Hyundai to cater to the increasing demand for sustainable, high-performing vehicles in the Indian market.

Extensive testing at Hyundai’s global R&D centre in South Korea validated the performance of Amara Raja’s AGM batteries, ensuring they meet global quality and durability standards. This innovation is set to redefine energy storage solutions and vehicle efficiency for India’s dynamic driving conditions.

A Milestone for India’s Automotive Sector

The partnership between Hyundai Motor India and Amara Raja Energy marks a turning point for the Indian automotive industry. By integrating advanced AGM battery technology, Hyundai is setting a new benchmark in innovation, sustainability, and localisation. The initiative supports not only the government’s vision for self-reliance but also the growing demand for eco-friendly technologies tailored to Indian needs.

The collaboration highlights the importance of synergy between automakers and energy solution providers, ensuring that the industry evolves in line with global trends while addressing local challenges. With Hyundai’s robust localisation strategy and Amara Raja’s expertise, India is poised to lead the way in automotive battery technology innovation.