Press Release

Hyderabad, November 30, 2019: The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organized the one day International workshop titled "Dawn of a New Era for Indian Automobile Industry - Creating New Lithium Ion Battery fits for High Temperature regions and Promote Pollution free EV world in India" Jointly organized by Japanese SME "ItsEV" and IIT-H held at IIT-Hyderabad (IIT-H). The purpose of the workshop is to find ways of reducing air pollution caused by auto emissions, reduction in crude import by shifting to renewable energy solutions and improvement in urban transport systems through dissemination of EVs embedded with Lithium –Ion Batteries.

The Chief Guest at the workshop was Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, Principle Secretary, Industries & Commerce (I&C) & Information Technology, Government of Telangana and Guest of the Honor was Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, JICA India. Mr. Kazuo Chiba, President ItsEV Inc. made a presentation at the workshop showcasing the scope of EV and market for Lithium Ion Battery Production in Indian Climate. The work shop focused on how electrification at the heart of these innovations in automotive sector, its expansion in urban infrastructure solutions is allude to be succeeding step in EV sector. The workshop presented the innovations in battery replacement that could expand the purview of what electrification technology could do. A wide range of stake holders from Telangana Government and IIT-H staff were present at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, JICA India said, "JICA is committed to support India's SDGs on clean energy. Transport sector being the largest contributor of CO2 and GHG emissions, Electric vehicles become the prerequisite for a sustainable future. In this context, JICA India is willing to collaborate jointly with Private sector & IIT-H to promote Japanese technologies for the improvement of air quality in urban areas and providing stable energy supply by introducing eco-friendly substitutes. The Key note highlighted the Importance of Zero emission electric vehicles in India aiming to bolster its production and usage in the country."

As the State of Telangana is keen on moving towards electric mobility, aiming to gear up on e-mobility to expand the EV market. The chief highlighted the scope of Lithium ion battery, a key component, accounts for almost half of the cost of EVs and cost of producing them could be reduced by adopting innovations in battery replacement.

Besides the workshop, the event comprised of a test-run of electric three-wheelers using lithium-ion batteries as part of activities supported by JICA's SMEs Feasibility Survey "Air Pollution, Using Lithium-Ion Batteries especially for High Temperature Areas in India" being conducted by ItsEV Inc. from July 2019. This event showcased ItsEV-developed unique Lithium-ion Batteries (LiB) with multiple use for EV propulsion for the future.

Apart from the survey, JICA is also extending integrated support to IIT-H through ODA (Official Development Assistance) loan of 23,035 million Japanese yen (approximately INR 1,500 Crore) for IIT-H campus development. JICA's support is facilitating the development of campus buildings and procurement of high-end laboratory equipment in IIT-H permanent campus.

In addition to this, JICA-FRIENDSHIP project has also been initiated in 2012 which is to facilitate the development of a research network between institutes of higher education and industrial clusters in Japan with IIT-H. This collaboration is aimed at achieving excellence in education and applied research in science and engineering.

Mr. Katsuo Matsumoto, Chief Representative, JICA India, while giving the presentation on JICA's activities in India at the workshop

A test-run of electric three-wheelers using lithium-ion batteries as part of activities supported by JICA's SMEs Feasibility Survey "Air Pollution, Using Lithium-Ion Batteries especially for High Temperature Areas in India"

About JICA

Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world's largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.JICA has 27 forestry and natural resource management projects in India and has extended an ODA loan of 270 billion Japanese Yen since 1991/92 towards the Sector.

For further information, please contact:

JICA India Office
Sho Naya/Vini Sharma
+91 11 49097000
Naya.Sho@jica.go.jp
Sharmavini.id@jica.go.jp