Vedanta Metal Move: A 12,500 Crore Investment for EV Revolution?

• Vedanta’s capital spend encompasses aluminium, zinc, copper, steel, nickel, and ferrochrome production.
• Capacity expansion initiatives involve new aluminium smelters, zinc alloy units, a zinc roaster, and other ferrochrome units.
• The aluminium portfolio of the company now caters to niche EV requirements. Primary foundry alloys for wheels and engine blocks, billets for battery casings, HVAC units. Lightweight structures contribute to energy efficiency and safety.
• Vedanta also manufactures nickel sulphate. An important component for battery cathodes, essential to contemporary EV battery technology. Markets in Northeast Asia for export.

Claims by Vedanta

• Increased application of aluminium offsets battery weight, enhancing EV range. Each kilogram of aluminium saves vehicle weight proportionally. With the potential to add 10–15% to range for each 100 kg eliminated.
• Vedanta materials are currently being used to test for crash-resistant alloy breakthroughs and next-generation energy storage materials.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director & Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said. “Our holistic strategy for resource management and sustainability forms the very core of Vedanta’s vision for a sustainable future. Through increasing our production of strategic metals, we are advancing the growing demands of India’s EV industry.”

Vedanta: Future Outlook

• Vedanta is the first in India to provide low-carbon, ‘green’ aluminium, branded Restora. Restora Ultra, allowing car manufacturers to diminish carbon footprints dramatically.
• The growth is a part of a larger strategy to provide domestic EV makers. As well as global partners with sustainable, high-performing metals.
• Collaborations in research will continue to propel the development of EV-focused alloys. Energy storage elements, keeping India at pace with clean mobility and technological prowess.