Marks major step in India’s clean mobility push with lightweight, crash-resistant, low-carbon battery enclosures; facility run nearly entirely by women operators

In a boost to India’s electric mobility ecosystem, Hindalco Industries, the flagship metals company of the Aditya Birla Group, has delivered 10,000 aluminium battery enclosures to Mahindra & Mahindra for their latest electric SUV models — BE 6 and XEV 9e. The deliveries coincide with the inauguration of Hindalco’s new state-of-the-art EV component manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune, a key milestone that marks the company’s entry into the electric vehicle component sector.

Spanning five acres and built with a capital outlay of Rs 500 crore, the plant has an annual production capacity of 80,000 units, which is set to double to 160,000 in the coming years. Designed to meet the growing demand for lightweight, crash-resistant, and thermally efficient battery enclosures, the facility is a key enabler for India’s fast-evolving EV landscape. Over 3,000 Mahindra electric vehicles equipped with these aluminium enclosures are already on Indian roads.

Satish Pai, Managing Director, Hindalco Industries Ltd., highlighted the plant’s strategic importance, “Our Chakan facility represents a strategic shift in India’s EV ecosystem—from import dependence to homegrown, high-performance aluminium solutions. We are proud to partner with Mahindra in this journey to co-create next-generation mobility technologies that are sustainable, safe, and smart.”

Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director & CEO (Auto and Farm Sector), Mahindra & Mahindra, praised the collaboration, “Mahindra is excited to partner with Hindalco in advancing India’s EV future. Their material science and engineering capabilities have enabled us to develop efficient, lightweight, and sustainable battery enclosures that enhance both performance and safety.”

The battery enclosure developed in collaboration with Mahindra boasts up to 40 per cent weight reduction compared to steel alternatives, contributing to an 8–10 per cent improvement in vehicle range. The enclosure design also ensures enhanced crash protection and better thermal management, thanks to aluminium’s natural cooling properties. The use of low-carbon aluminium further underscores Hindalco’s commitment to sustainable innovation.

Another standout feature of the Chakan plant is its gender-diverse workforce, with nearly 100 per cent of machine operator roles filled by women—a remarkable achievement in the traditionally male-dominated manufacturing sector. The facility is expected to generate up to 1,000 new jobs, reinforcing its contribution to local employment and inclusion.

Looking ahead, Hindalco aims to offer similar EV solutions to other Indian and global OEMs, extending its capabilities to structural and crash-relevant parts for both EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. With India’s EV value chain maturing rapidly and giga-factories and localised battery cell manufacturing on the rise, demand for aluminium-based components is set to soar.

This strategic move positions Hindalco at the forefront of India’s clean energy transition—backed by materials expertise, engineering innovation, and a commitment to Make in India, gender inclusivity, and low-carbon growth.