Phinergy and IOP enter into a pact with Hindalco to produce aluminium-air batteries for electric vehicles

Israeli clean energy company Phinergy and the Indo-Israeli joint venture IOC Phinergy Private Limited have signed an agreement with Hindalco Industries to develop aluminium-air batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage.

IOC Phinergy Private Limited (IOP) is a joint venture between Phinergy and leading energy PSU Indian Oil Corporation. As stipulated in the MOU, Phinergy and IOP will work exclusively with Hindalco in India for the research and development and pilot production of aluminium plates for aluminium-air batteries and the recycling of aluminium after its use in these batteries.

In the Aluminium-Air battery, developed by Phinergy, energy is released when aluminium reacts with oxygen in the ambient air to produce aluminium hydroxide. Due to its light weight and high energy density, an Aluminium-Air battery significantly increases the range of electric vehicles.

An aluminium-air battery enables rapid ‘refuelling’ and eliminates the need for expensive nationwide charging networks. Aluminium-air batteries should make the adoption of electric vehicles more affordable and accelerate the transition to zero-emission mobility. An additional advantage is that the aluminium hydroxide in the battery can be recycled to recover aluminium. Major Indian car manufacturers are currently testing the technology.

Satish Pai, Managing Director of Hindalco Industries Limited, said: ‘Climate action is an integral part of our business and our partnership with Phinergy and IOP is a significant step towards decarbonising mobility. The partnership is also a testimony to Hindalco’s globally recognised capabilities in innovation and research and development and we are happy to contribute to the development of the aluminium-air battery. India has abundant aluminium resources and this technology can help improve the country’s energy and resource security.”