India’s lithium and energy storage sector is undergoing a transformational shift as electric mobility gains momentum across the country. While much of the conversation around EVs continues to focus on passenger vehicles and premium mobility solutions, the real transition is happening at the grassroots level, particularly within the rapidly expanding e-rickshaw ecosystem.
With over one crore e-rickshaws operating across India, a significant majority still rely on conventional lead-acid batteries that are heavy, inefficient, and costly to maintain over time.
This growing demand for cleaner, longer-lasting, and more intelligent energy solutions is creating new opportunities for lithium battery manufacturers focused on practical, high-impact innovation. Positioned at the centre of this shift is Sanaka Lithium, a Durgapur-based energy storage company operating under Alienion Technologies Pvt. Ltd., an IIT Madras alumni startup.
The company has emerged as a strong player in the lithium battery segment by focusing on last-mile electric mobility and residential energy storage, particularly across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets in Eastern India.
By combining lithium battery technology with IoT-enabled intelligence, localized manufacturing, and customer-friendly financing models, Sanaka Lithium is building a mobility ecosystem designed not just for urban EV adoption, but for everyday users who depend on affordable and reliable transportation for their livelihoods.
Building a Vision Around Everyday Mobility
For Partha Pobi, Vice President of Sanaka Lithium, the journey into energy storage began with a clear observation: millions of e-rickshaw drivers across India continue to depend on lead-acid batteries that limit earnings, increase downtime, and create long-term operational inefficiencies. This realization became the foundation for Sanaka Lithium’s larger mission.
Founded in January 2020, the company initially started supplying lithium batteries to the e-rickshaw market in West Bengal. Over time, it expanded its operations with a dedicated manufacturing facility in Durgapur commissioned in November 2023. The facility began with a production capacity of 150 batteries per month and is now scaling steadily as demand rises.
What distinguishes the company’s approach is its belief that India’s clean mobility transition must be inclusive and economically practical. Rather than focusing solely on premium EV markets, Sanaka Lithium has concentrated on enabling affordable lithium adoption for drivers and households in emerging markets where reliable mobility and uninterrupted power are critical to daily life.
The company’s IIT Madras R&D roots continue to play a central role in its growth strategy, en suring that innovation and product engineering remain aligned with real-world user needs.
Intelligent Battery Solutions Designed for Performance
Sanaka Lithium currently offers four primary LFP (LiFePO4) battery product lines, such as E-Rickshaw Batteries, E-Loader Batteries, Inverter Batteries, and In-built Battery Inverter systems. However, the company positions itself not merely as a battery manufacturer, but as a provider of intelligent energy solutions.
Every battery is integrated with a Smart Battery Management System (BMS) and full IoT connectivity capabilities. This allows users to monitor battery performance in real time while enabling predictive maintenance and optimized energy usage. The systems are also designed with multiple safety mechanisms, including protection against overcharging, deep discharge, short circuits, and thermal events.
The technological advantages are significant when compared with traditional lead-acid batteries. Sanaka Lithium’s LFP batteries offer a cycle life of up to 6,000 charges, while conventional lead-acid batteries typically last around 300 cycles. In practical applications, one Sanaka battery can replace multiple lead-acid units while substantially reducing vehicle weight and improving travel range.
For e-rickshaw operators, this translates into better mileage, lower downtime, reduced maintenance costs, and improved daily earnings are factors that directly influence economic sustainability at the grassroots level.
Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Accessibility
One of the biggest challenges in India’s lithium transition has been customer hesitation toward newer technologies. Many e-rickshaw operators have used lead-acid batteries for decades and often remain cautious about switching to lithium solutions due to higher upfront costs and limited awareness.
Sanaka Lithium has addressed this challenge through a combination of financial accessibility, technology transparency, and on-ground engagement. The company has partnered with RBI-scheduled banks, including Bangiya Gramin Vikash Bank and Durgapur Steel Co-operative Bank, to provide EMI-based financing options for customers.
This financing model has played an important role in making lithium technology accessible to small-scale operators and middle-income households. Simultaneously, the company’s IoT-enabled systems allow customers to monitor battery health and performance directly, helping build trust and confidence in lithium adoption.
Sanaka Lithium’s LFP batteries offer a cycle life of up to 6,000 charges, while conventional lead-acid batteries typically last around 300 cycles
Adding further credibility to its operations, Sanaka Lithium has also secured ICAT certification, validating the safety and performance standards of its battery solutions.
Scaling Towards an Integrated Mobility Ecosystem
As demand for electric mobility continues to rise, Sanaka Lithium is now preparing for its next phase of expansion. The company aims to scale production from 1,000 batteries per month to 10,000 batteries per month while expanding its dealer and service network across Eastern India.
At the same time, the organization is looking beyond standalone battery manufacturing toward a more integrated mobility ecosystem. Through the upcoming entry of Sanaka Auto Corp, the broader vision involves co-engineering vehicles and battery systems together, creating a unified platform where energy storage, vehicle performance, and intelligent data systems operate seamlessly.
With government initiatives such as PM e-DRIVE and FAME accelerating EV adoption across the country, companies that can combine innovation, manufacturing capability, affordability, and intelligent energy management are expected to shape the next phase of India’s clean mobility transition.
By focusing on technology-driven yet accessible lithium solutions for everyday users, Sanaka Lithium is steadily positioning itself as an important contributor to India’s evolving electric mobility and energy storage landscape.
We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read more...
