Lohum Recruits Tesla Veteran for Manganese-Based Batteries Project.

Lohum, a company specializing in the production and recycling of sustainable critical minerals, is set to produce cathode active materials for manganese-based lithium-ion batteries. Tesla veteran Chaitanya Sharma has been brought on board to lead this project.

Founder and CEO Rajat Verma disclosed that Lohum is investing $75 million in the project, located in Tamil Nadu, and an additional $100 million to expand its recycling capacity. The company aims to establish a capacity of over 20 GWh within the next three years and is also considering future manufacturing sites in Gujarat and Telangana.

The next-generation lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) batteries, known for their safety, extended range, and cost-effectiveness, have attracted interest from major EV manufacturers like Tesla, BYD, and CATL. An R&D grant from India’s Ministry of Mines will support the development of this technology, following a rigorous selection process from over 100 applicants.

Verma emphasized that this project will fill a critical gap in the supply chain, ensuring localization in India. Chaitanya Sharma, who has led North America’s first gigafactories at Tesla and IM3NY, brings valuable expertise to Lohum. He is also the co-founder of Nascent Materials, a US-based company developing next-generation cathode materials.

Lohum, the only producer of conventional Nickel Manganese Cobalt-based cathode active materials in India, believes that leveraging the country’s substantial manganese reserves will mitigate external supply chain risks, enhancing India’s energy security.

“Developing LMFP technology will enable Lohum to accelerate the energy transition by providing higher energy densities, increased cost-effectiveness, higher safety, sustainability, and better thermal adaptability of batteries to climate change,” Verma stated.

HBL