Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is setting the stage for significant advancements in India's automotive sector by incorporating AMARON's Made-in-India AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery technology across its domestic vehicle lineup. This exciting development, which will be implemented as part of HMIL's existing procurement agreement with Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Limited (ARE&M), is aimed at enhancing the performance and sustainability of Hyundai vehicles.
The rollout of these AGM batteries is slated for the fourth quarter of FY 2024-2025, making Hyundai the first automobile original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to adopt localized AGM technology. This move is not just about upgrading battery technology; it symbolizes HMIL's commitment to localization, bringing innovative, locally sourced solutions to meet the needs of Indian consumers.
Gopalakrishnan Chathapuram Sivaramakrishnan, HMIL's Whole-time Director and Chief Manufacturing Officer, expressed enthusiasm over the decision, stating, "At Hyundai Motor India Limited, adopting innovative technology to exceed the ever-evolving customer expectations has been our forte. The company is poised to become the first auto OEM in India to introduce indigenously manufactured AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery technology in its products, made by Amara Raja Energy & Mobility." This initiative also aligns with the Government of India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative, reinforcing domestic capabilities and reducing dependence on imported technologies.
The AGM batteries represent advancements over traditional Complete Maintenance Free (CMF) batteries, proving to be about 150% more durable based on rigorous real-world tests. Designed for Starting, Lighting, and Ignition (SLI) applications, these batteries excel under diverse operational conditions prevalent across India.
Harshavardhana Gourineni, Executive Director at ARE&M, noted the significance of this collaboration, remarking, "We are thrilled to be part of Hyundai Motor India's quest to redefine future mobility. This is a significant step in AMARON's mission to deliver world-class energy solutions." These AGM batteries are engineered to meet stringent Real Driving Emissions (RDE) standards, including India’s BS6 Phase 2 requirements, ensuring environmental compliance is met.
What sets AGM batteries apart is their technological prowess. They offer rapid charging, longer life spans, low self-discharge rates, and require minimal maintenance, making them well-suited for modern vehicles equipped with Idle Stop and Go (ISG) systems. This innovation offers smoother starts and enhanced energy efficiency to manage the higher electrical loads typical of contemporary vehicles.
This localization initiative is not merely technological; it carries substantial economic and environmental benefits. By utilizing locally manufactured AGM batteries, Hyundai aims to diminish its carbon footprint and aid local job creation, positioning itself as a catalyst for economic growth within the Indian automotive sector. The thorough testing of these batteries at Hyundai’s global R&D center in Namyang, South Korea, has confirmed they meet Indian emission standards, bolstering confidence in their performance.
Hyundai Motor India's localization strategies extend beyond this collaboration, as the company partners with over 194 vendors for more than 1,200 components sourced locally at its manufacturing facility in Chennai. These efforts underline HMIL's proactive stance on enhancing India’s automotive ecosystem and facilitating innovation.
The potential impacts of such innovations are enormous. By integrating AGM technology, Hyundai expects to launch next-generation vehicles engineered for improved range, performance, and emission reductions, addressing the diverse demands of Indian consumers. This strategic partnership with Amara Raja Energy & Mobility showcases HMIL's dedication to localizing core technologies, fostering innovation, and sustaining growth for the future.
With this initiative, Hyundai is not just adopting new technology; it is leading India's automotive sector toward greater self-reliance, contributing positively to the government's objectives for local development, and enhancing the overall driving experience for consumers across the nation.
