This article is about Lithium Cell Manufacturing Plant Setup. Along with this, we will cover different challenges that are faced during the setup of a Lithium Cell Manufacturing Plant Setup and different ways to overcome this.
Understanding Our Market First
The first part while setting up a Lithium Cell Manufacturing Plant Setup is to understand our market. We need to take into account who our target audience is, what our target locations are, and how we are going to cover that location. The second step is the division of the subcategory of the target market.
We need to understand our customers, their needs, demands, and specifications about the type of electric vehicles they need. The need of our customers may vary from two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, Electric buses, heavy trucks, or any other vehicle. This way we will have a very good understanding of our target market and audience.
Batteries According to the Need of the Customer
Once we have narrowed down our target market and audience, then there are a few factors that must be taken into account.
- Space– We need to understand that in narrowing down the suitable cell chemistry in terms of space available for the battery.
- Weight – This is the second most important factor after space. This plays a vital role in designing the center of gravity of the application which must be taken very seriously in terms of electric vehicles.
- The Capacity of the Battery Pack- The capacity of the battery pack is considered based on the range per charge. An increase in the range means higher battery capacity requirements.
- Cell Capacity– Based on different factors and available dimensions inside the battery pack, the capacity of the cell is decided. A lower number of cells in parallel connection is considered good. A higher number of cells packed together is considered unsafe.
Technical Expectations of the Market
Every product that comes into the market has some technical expectations. The whole market, customers, as well as competitors form a basic understanding and expectation of the product. In terms of lithium cells also, people have some expectations.
These expectations are in terms of capacity, charging time, backup, efficiency, longevity, and others. The competition in recent times has grown so much in each and every sector that in order to survive one has to be the best in their field.
Why Lithium-Ion Cells?
We need to understand that lithium ions pass from the negative electrode or anode to the positive electrode or cathode during its discharge. Whereas it passes from the cathode to the anode during charging. They have high energy-to-weight ratios, a lack of memory effect, and slow self-discharge when not in use. So, due to all these reasons, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in terms of portable consumer electronics.
The cathode of lithium iron phosphate is iron phosphate whereas the anode is made up of graphite. They have a nominal voltage of 3.20 volts or 3.30 volts whereas the specific energy is 92 to 120 watt hours per kilogram.
Benefits of Lithium-Ion Cells
- These batteries have a longer life cycle.
- They require almost no maintenance.
- These batteries are extremely stable in nature.
- They are lightweight and easy to carry from one place to another.
- They have improved in terms of charging and discharging.
- Scientists and manufacturers are working to find out a cheap version of lithium-ion cells.
Manufacturing of Lithium Ion Cells
The layers of porous electrodes are poured on aluminum and copper. The collector of aluminum and copper foils makes up lithium-ion batteries. Each electrode pair capacity is balanced to ensure the protection of the battery and to avoid the risk of overcharging. If not done, it can result in metal degradation or short-circuiting. Excessive cathode discharging can result in a collapse of crystal structure and loss of vacancies for lithium to work properly.
Factors to be Considered While Setting Up the Plant
- Location– We need to choose the right location for setting up a large manufacturing plant. The right location is important to meet the regional market demand and boost the prospect of the firm in the competitive future. It also depends on the manufacturer’s requirements and various other factors.
- Setting up Cost– This is a very important factor that must be analyzed and considered first of all. The total cost may be a combination of fixed and location-specific variable costs.
- Analyzing the Market– This is one of the most important factors while setting up a battle manufacturing plant. We need to know our customers, their needs, competitors, some other key players, and everything before entering any market.
Incentives from the Government of India
The Government of India is making policies to support the electric vehicle manufacturers as well as the customers by providing them incentives and subsidies which will help India become a global leader in the electric vehicle sector. The Indian government is consistently showing its support and efforts to make India a world leader in the EV industry.
The government has introduced a number of programs and incentives to increase consumer demand for electric cars and to encourage automakers to invest in the R&D of electric cars and related infrastructure. FAME-II, PLI scheme, Battery Switching Policy, Special Electric Mobility Zone, and Tax Reduction on EVs are the current initiatives of the Indian government.
Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental impact assessment is a new requirement that needs to be carried out while setting up any such factories. The norms, regulations, and laws of the Indian government have become very strict regarding environmental activities and any businesses which have any kind of effect on the environment.
We need to check and analyze all the records and permissible amounts of carbon and emissions that can be emitted from a factory. Our government is working very hard to achieve net zero emissions and for this, they are taking a lot of steps. So, the manufacturer must consider all the environmental impacts when making any decision about setting up a factory.
Conclusion
So, we can say that the lithium cell manufacturing plant setup requires a lot of steps and work. There are a lot of laws and rules that need to be followed and adhered to while carrying out such activities. We must be aware of government laws, incentive plans, markets, and competitors if we want to make benefit and profit in this particular business.
