LOHUM to produce LMFP Li-ion batteries | Appoints Chaitanya Sharma

LOHUM, a Delhi-based lithium-ion battery recycler, plans to develop next-generation ‘Manganese-rich’ LMFP lithium-ion batteries. The company has appointed Chaitanya Sharma, a former Tesla executive with experience in battery technologies, to lead this initiative. The development of this technology is supported by an R&D grant from India’s Ministry of Mines, awarded after a competitive evaluation process involving over 100 applicants.

The company statement said that LOHUM produces conventional NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) based Cathode Active Materials in India. The company has signed an MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish an integrated recycling and Cathode Active Material production facility. The project aims to build a capacity of over 20 GWh within three years, supported by an investment of INR 1000 Crore, which will also fund advancements in related technologies.

LMFP (Lithium Manganese Iron Phosphate) battery chemistry promises improved safety and extended range for electric vehicles compared to conventional technologies, at a lower cost. Major EV manufacturers like Tesla, BYD, and CATL are investing heavily in LMFP technology. India’s abundant manganese reserves position it strategically to mitigate risks in the lithium-ion battery supply chain, enhancing the country’s energy security.

“Developing LMFP technology will enable LOHUM to accelerate the Energy Transition by making available higher energy densities, increased cost-effectiveness, higher safety, sustainability, and thermal adaptability of batteries to climate change. LMFP will play a pivotal role in supporting India’s EV market and is a key stepping stone to India’s Energy Independence.” expressed Rajat Verma, Founder & CEO of LOHUM.

Chaitanya Sharma, a mechanical engineer from IIT Roorkee and Stanford University, has a background in battery manufacturing from his tenure at Tesla and IM3NY, where he also served as CEO of IM3NY. He is also a co-founder of Nascent Materials, a US-based company specializing in cathode technology, focusing on advanced materials such as iron-based and sodium-based cathodes tailored for specific applications.

Also read: Driving battery recycling and second-life solutions | Chat with Rajat Verma, Founder & CEO, Lohum