Tata Motors-Reimagining EV Battery Design for enhancing circularity

Tata Global Internships- Tata Motors Electric Vehicles-

Project “Reimagining EV Battery Design to achieve highest level of circularity.”

This project under Tata Global Internships is set to begin in June/July 2026 for a minimum of 8 weeks. The project would be based in India & this would be an in-person internship. 

Details about the organization & project are mentioned as under-

About Tata Passenger Electric Vehicles – Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. (TPEM) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors Ltd., established in December 2021 to spearhead the company’s electric vehicle (EV) business in India. It focuses on developing and manufacturing passenger EVs under the TATA.ev brand, with a goal of launching around 10 new models by 2026. TPEM has introduced a dedicated “acti.ev” architecture designed specifically for electric vehicles, offering advanced battery, range, and charging capabilities. Beyond vehicles, it is actively building a complete EV ecosystem—partnering with companies like Tata Power, Shell India, and other charge-point operators to install over 10,000 public chargers across the country. Backed by a US $1 billion investment from TPG Rise Climate and ADQ, TPEM aims to invest heavily in local manufacturing, R&D, and infrastructure to strengthen India’s transition to sustainable mobility. With its early-mover advantage, strong Tata brand, and ecosystem approach, TPEM is positioning itself as a leader in India’s fast-growing EV market. In FY 24 (ended March 31, 2024) the EV business of Tata Motors Ltd. (of which TPEM is the dedicated electric-passenger vehicle arm) recorded revenue of ₹9,300 crore (≈ US $1.1 billion).

About the project: Focusing on EV battery recycling is crucial for ensuring sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility in the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem.

The foremost issue to be resolved in EV batteries is improving sustainability and resource efficiency by addressing the dependency on critical raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. This involves tackling several interconnected challenges:

1. Resource Scarcity and Dependency-

Finite raw materials & ethical concerns: The reliance on rare and geographically concentrated materials increases the risk of shortages and supply chain disruptions. Mining practices, particularly for cobalt, often involve human rights violations and environmental degradation, making ethical sourcing a major concern.

2. Recycling and Waste Management-

Current recycling technologies are inefficient and expensive, recovering only a small portion of battery materials. Establishing scalable, cost-effective recycling systems is crucial to minimize waste and reduce dependency on virgin resources.

3. Energy and Environmental Impact

The production of EV batteries is energy-intensive and generates a significant carbon footprint. Transitioning to cleaner manufacturing processes powered by renewable energy is essential.

4. Battery Longevity and Performance

Improving battery lifespan and efficiency is critical to reducing the frequency of replacements, lowering environmental impact, and enhancing consumer confidence.

5. Cost Reduction

EV batteries are one of the most expensive components of electric vehicles. Lowering production costs through material innovation and process optimization is key to making EVs more affordable.

6. Alternative Technologies

Developing batteries that use abundant and less toxic materials (e.g., sodium-ion or solid-state batteries) can significantly reduce environmental and supply chain pressures.

Resolving these issues requires coordinated efforts in technological innovation, regulatory frameworks, sustainable practices, and global collaboration to ensure EV batteries meet the demands of a growing market while aligning with environmental and ethical standards.

Deliverables: 1. Circular Economy Opportunities in India for Battery:

Detailed report covering regulatory framework on battery Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) with various stakeholder obligations. Study, analyse & map various battery recycling & repurposing partners in India w.r.t. their capabilities & capacities. Propose pilot partner list for setting up battery recycling/repurposing network & logistics.   

2. Analysis of global best practices on battery recycling & repurposing:

An analysis of existing recycling infrastructure for EV batteries in Europe (being a forefront in Sustainability), challenges in scaling up recycling processes, and potential technological innovations in the recycling sector. Gap Assessment of regulation Vs actual recycling practices in EU.

3.Forecasting Future Regulatory Trends: A forecast report predicting future regulatory developments in the EV battery space, including potential new policies, stricter emissions regulations, or recycling mandates.