"Let's Catch up with China, Then Take a Leap Forward”: Sajjan Jindal on JSW’s Auto R&D Strategy

JSW Group will draw lessons from China’s rapid progress in electric mobility while building its own automotive technology and research capabilities in India, Chairman Sajjan Jindal said.

Jindal described China as the global benchmark for electric vehicles and battery technology. His approach is to close the capability gap using technologies already proven at scale while building independent technology capabilities within the group.

“I am being very practical,” Jindal told reporters. “First, let us establish whatever is happening in China, which is a leader in electric mobility. Let us catch up with them on the technology front. Then we take a leap forward.”

China has built the world’s largest electric vehicle market and a broad supplier base spanning batteries, electric powertrains, electronics and vehicle platforms. Its scale has made it an important reference point for automakers across regions.

“Instead of looking west, let us look east and China,” Jindal said. “Even the West is looking to the East.”

Building an independent R&D base

Jindal said Indian companies would remain dependent on overseas technology unless they increased investment in research and product development.

“Unless we do R&D and develop our own technologies for the automobile industry, we will remain a follower and not a leader,” he said. “If we want to become a leader as a country in the automobile space, we need to do R&D.”

JSW is building an automotive portfolio spanning passenger vehicles, electric trucks and buses, batteries, charging and mobility services. The group has committed up to $3 billion, or approximately ₹25,000 crore, over five years through its automotive arm to create a wider electric mobility ecosystem.

Its businesses include a 35% stake in JSW MG Motor India, along with independently controlled operations such as JSW Motors and JSW Greentech.
The group’s experience with global technology partnerships has helped shape its next phase. While partnerships can provide access to established products and know-how, JSW now wants to create a stronger in-house research base for businesses under its direct control.

“Both in trucks and buses as well as in JSW Motors, we will have our own R&D set-up,” Jindal said. “We are already working on that, and based on our own R&D, we will come out with the technology.”

JSW Greentech, which has launched the Ampstar electric commercial vehicle brand, has placed engineering at the centre of its operations. Of its first 100 hires, 88 were recruited for research and development.

The company said its vehicle-control unit, source code, battery-pack design and vehicle architecture have been developed in India. It plans to retain ownership of the core architecture, software and design while working with specialist suppliers for components and manufacturing support.

JSW Greentech works with global suppliers including ZF and Dana for mechanical systems and has engaged international specialists for truck-cabin and bus design.

The company has also received recognition from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research despite being less than three years old, according to its management.

Battery technology remains central

Battery cells remain a key area in which India needs to build greater domestic capability. JSW Greentech will initially import cells and undertake cell-to-pack assembly at its manufacturing facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Another arm of JSW Group is working on battery-cell technology, including lithium-ion and sodium-ion chemistries.

Jindal described battery cells as the “new oil”, reflecting their strategic importance as transport moves away from fossil fuels.

“For India, it is very essential because the cell is going to be the new oil,” he said. “Therefore, we have to produce that cell, and it can be done.”

The group’s strategy is to use the best available technology as it enters the market while progressively developing the ability to design and control critical systems in India.

Jindal acknowledged that creating breakthrough technology would take time. His immediate priority is to build competitive products, establish engineering capability and close the gap with global leaders. The longer-term test will be whether JSW can move from adapting proven technologies to developing products and intellectual property capable of competing globally.

With inputs from Prerna Lidhoo and Mugdha Mishra