Now Reading: Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath explores alternative batteries for India
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Zerodha’s Nikhil Kamath explores alternative batteries for India
In the latest episode of his podcast 'People by WTF', Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath discusses battery technologies that could power India's next manufacturing wave with Henning Rath, CEO of EnerVenue, and Kun…
The Story in Brief
In the latest episode of his podcast 'People by WTF', Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath discusses battery technologies that could power India's next manufacturing wave with Henning Rath, CEO of EnerVenue, and Kun Tang, Executive Chairman of HiNa Battery. The conversation highlights safety concerns with lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, with Tang stating the world recorded over 14,000 LFP battery fires in 2025 alone.
Tang's HiNa Battery has supplied what it calls the world's first 100-megawatt-hour sodium-ion storage project. Sodium costs roughly a tenth of lithium and resists thermal runaway, but has lower energy density, limiting it to grid storage and short-range vehicles. EnerVenue bets on a nickel-based, water-electrolyte battery for stationary storage. Both guests say solid-state batteries are far from commercial production. Kamath is considering entering the energy transition, and Rath advises him to build a battery company, not a car company, for India's scooter and three-wheeler market.
The Indian Opinion
The podcast rightly questions the hype around lithium batteries, given the fire risks. But it also sidesteps India's challenge: building a battery industry without China's rare earths depends on local production of alternatives like sodium-ion, which is still nascent. The 14,000 LFP fire number grabs attention, but the guests note tier-two Chinese makers cause most incidents, not leaders like CATL. The real test is whether India can match Chinese production quality and scale. Kamath should watch for government policy on domestic mining and manufacturing incentives before investing.
Source: livemint.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
