Why in the News
China has imposed export controls and licensing requirements on key lithium-ion battery components and technology, raising concerns for India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, which is highly import-dependent.
What are China’s Policy Changes?
China has restricted exports of:
- High-performance lithium-ion batteries (≥300 Wh/kg)
- Cathode materials
- Artificial graphite anodes
- Battery manufacturing technology
- China dominates the midstream processing stage of EV battery supply chains.
Impact on India’s EV Sector
1. Supply Chain Vulnerability
- India depends almost entirely on imports for lithium
- Heavy reliance on Chinese processing → risk of disruptions
2. Rising Battery Costs
- Restrictions may increase prices of: Lithium, Cobalt, and Nickel.
- Leads to higher EV prices
3. Slower EV Adoption
- Increased costs → reduced affordability
- Could delay India’s EV transition targets
Government Response (India)
- National Critical Mineral Mission: Ensures long-term supply security
- Covers full value chain: Exploration → Mining → Processing → Recycling
- Domestic Mining & Auctions: 46 critical mineral blocks auctioned
- Overseas Acquisition: Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)
- Lithium exploration in Catamarca
- Recycling Push: ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme for: Battery recycling and Recovery from waste (fly ash, tailings, etc.).
| [2025] In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements: 1. Cobalt 2. Graphite 3. Lithium 4. Nickel How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All the four |
