New Delhi: Indian battery materials producer, Lohum, has entered into a partnership with several of Nepal’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem entities associated with MG, Stellantis, and Tata EV brands. The extended collaboration will cover other brands such as Volkswagen, Suzuki, Renault, and Mahindra EVs, among others.
This partnership aims to support Nepal in becoming self-sufficient in energy by the recycling of around 200,000 batteries and the subsequent production of battery materials over the next five years from the EV brands associated with these partners.
In India, Lohum holds a significant market share in the battery recycling sector and has reduced emissions across various international markets, including the US, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. With this collaboration, Lohum will manage end-of-life batteries for most of the EV brands operating in Nepal.
By entering into this partnership, Nepal is taking steps to diversify its sources for clean energy materials. This partnership also reflects India’s intent to support Nepal’s push for energy independence, offering an alternative to economic influences from other major countries. This move is consistent with India’s broader goal of promoting an inclusive energy transition globally, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
With Nepal’s introduction of the Aarthik Vidheyak policy in FY 2023, which deals with end-of-life battery waste management, this partnership offers a compliant solution for the EV stakeholders in Nepal.
Senior V.P. of Lohum, Chetan Jain, commented on the partnership, “Nepal is on the cusp of an EV revolution, and its government is taking forward actions for responsible end-of-life material disposal. Lohum is taking a lead in fulfilling these requirements and ensuring Nepal’s energy self-reliance.”
The partnership is expected to have an impact on the CO2 reduction for a majority of EVs in Nepal and by recycling these materials can provide a continuous loop within Nepal’s battery ecosystem.
