Foxconn plans battery storage unit in India, bolstering EV ambitions

Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn is exploring plans to establish a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) unit in India, according to chairman Young Liu. This move aligns with the company's strategic expansion into the electric vehicle (EV) sector and its "3+3 strategy" focusing on high-growth industries.

Liu revealed that discussions are underway with the Tamil Nadu minister for industries regarding potential collaboration on BESS in the state. This initiative comes as Foxconn's information and communication technology segment begins to take root in India.

The BESS unit would complement Foxconn's upcoming electric vehicle manufacturing operations in India, which Liu stated will commence "very soon." BESS technology is crucial for storing energy from renewable sources like solar and wind, making it a key component in the sustainable energy landscape.

Foxconn has already set up its first BESS unit in Taiwan, focusing on e-Buses, with mass production expected to begin this year. The company is also in talks to establish a BESS factory in Indonesia, highlighting its global ambitions in this sector.

The proposed Indian unit is part of Foxconn's broader investment strategy in the country. To date, the company has invested over $1.4 billion in India, with its business growing to $10 billion. Foxconn currently employs more than 48,000 people in India and anticipates significant growth in the coming year.

Liu expressed optimism about India's economic trajectory, stating, "After visiting so many states in India, I felt that India is ascending. Foxconn wants to be a part of it. We will grow together with India's growth."

This development underscores Foxconn's commitment to diversifying its portfolio beyond traditional electronics manufacturing. The company's "3+3 strategy" prioritises electric vehicles, digital health, and robotics – industries with substantial growth potential and a combined market scale of $1.4 trillion.

As Foxconn continues to expand its footprint in India, the potential BESS unit represents a significant step towards enhancing the country's renewable energy infrastructure and supporting the growing electric vehicle market.