The lithium-ion batteries are at the heart of the transition from fossil-fuelled vehicles towards cleaner alternate powertrain options, but fundamental supply chain changes are needed to eliminate widespread forced labour and child labour abuses.

A recent research by AI supply chain risk platform Infyos has identified that companies accounting for 75 percent of the global battery market have connections to one or more companies in the supply chain facing allegations of severe human rights abuses. Most major battery manufacturers and end batteries applications are exposed including many of the world’s largest automotive, energy storage and electronics brands.

This new industry data is compiled from evidence on Infyos’ AI supply chain risk platform using thousands of government datasets, NGO reports, news articles and social media sources. 

Infyos’ AI technology is developed specifically for the battery industry to automate the gathering, cleansing and classification of unstructured data to identify and assign confidence ratings to allegations of human rights abuses with accuracy and speed that previously was not possible.

The AI-driven platform claims it is working with some of the world’s largest renewable energy and automotive companies to combine open-source data with additional proprietary data sources to identify which companies a customer may be connected to across the supply chain and where there is exposure to or allegations of human rights abuses.

Tony To, Co-founder & CTO, Infyos said: “Our platform is designed to provide users with insights into the complexities of the battery supply chain so they can take proactive measures to identify and mitigate risks. By leveraging AI in our technology we’ve created a system that delivers accurate data despite the complexity of the battery industry and most importantly provides users with simple actionable mitigations to collaborate with their suppliers to address risks and improve the sustainability of the industry.”
The report finds that widespread human rights abuses identified range from people being forced to work in lithium refining facilities under the threat of no or minimal pay to five-year-old children mining cobalt materials out of the ground in hazardous conditions. Severe human rights incidents are occurring globally, especially in resource-rich countries with fragile and corrupt governments like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar.

However, most of the allegations of severe human rights abuses involve companies who are mining and refining raw materials in China that end up in batteries around the world, particularly in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) in northwest China where the battery, automotive and solar industry has already been hit with public allegations of widespread forced labour from journalists, government agencies and non-profit organisations.

Complex supply chain

Electric vehicle and battery manufacturers have a complex supply chain, sometimes with over 10,000 suppliers across their network, from mines to chemical refineries and automotive manufacturers. Human rights abuses frequently occur upstream in the supply chain, notably at the raw material mining and refining stages, making it difficult for companies purchasing batteries to identify their supply chain risks.

The battery industry’s connections to these incidents stem from manufacturers sourcing components or materials from unethical companies in their supply chain network or entering business relationships, including joint ventures or equity investments hidden in complex and changing ownership structures, which conceals the reality of the unethical connections.

Sarah Montgomery, CEO & Co-Founder, Infyos added, “The relative opaqueness of battery supply chains and the complexity of supply chain legal requirements means current approaches like ESG audits are out of date and don’t comply with new regulations. Most battery manufacturers and their customers, including automotive companies and grid-scale battery energy storage developers, still don’t have complete supply chain oversight.”
It is important to understand that sourcing is coming under growing scrutiny, particularly in Europe and the US, where failure to address the issues means companies could be in breach of current and future regulations. 

This is damaging the battery industry’s clean credentials and hampering investment into the global battery market forecast to be worth nearly $500 billion (INR 41,655 billion) in 2030. With more legislation such as the EU Battery Regulation and the US’s Uyghur Forced Labour Prevention Act (UFLPA) being phased in, action must be taken now so companies can still sell their products.

Jeff Williamson, Head of Sustainability, Infyos said: “Companies manufacturing or purchasing batteries are at risk of having their products blocked at the market, further delaying and increasing the costs of renewable energy projects or tarnishing their reputation because of human rights risks.”

The UFLPA prohibits the import of goods made with forced labour in the Xinjiang region of China. The penalties for non-compliance can be extreme: earlier this year inspectors blocked vehicles they found to violate the regulations. The US Senate Finance Committee Chair has accused automotive manufacturers of ‘sticking their heads in the sand’ over forced labour in their supply chains and a subsequent report recommended that the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection take further measures to strength enforcement of the forced labour ban in automotive supply chains, including placing CATL – the world’s largest battery cell manufacturer – on a list of companies banned due to their connection to forced labour. Europe is following suit with its forced labour ban while a proposal has been submitted to increase the fines for non-compliance with the UK’s Modern Slavery Act to 4 percent of global annual turnover.

Sarah Montgomery, CEO & Co-Founder, Infyos said: “We have already seen how forced labour incidents in supply chains for the solar industry have blocked the largest solar suppliers from the US market and slowed down the transition to clean energy: as the battery industry faces the paradigm shift to electrification, the lessons learnt in solar must be applied to the battery industry if the energy transition is to stay on track.”

Battery-specific regulations within Europe are becoming more stringent too. New EU Battery Regulations coming into effect between 2024 and 2036 require much more rigorous supply chain visibility and risk management starting in 2025 with non-compliance leading to products being blocked from the European market. These pressing supply chain requirements, which many in the industry are struggling to comply with, are foundational to the much-talked-about battery passports in 2027. The UFLPA and EU Battery Regulation are widely seen as the battery industry gold standard due to their strict requirements on due diligence and supply chain visibility, and many companies operating outside of the regions are voluntarily aiming to meet their requirements.

By addressing issues within their supply chain, companies not only continue to have a licence to operate and avoid costly fines but can also actively grow their business: Research from PwC found that 89 percent of institutional investors are considering or have already rejected investments in firms with ESG shortcomings. Additional human rights pressure is coming from investors, who are now mandating deeper supply chain risk management and visibility as a condition of lending or investment to minimise their own financial risk. While financial and regulatory pressures are increasing awareness of human rights abuses in battery supply chains, more industry action to address human rights abuses is needed to drive battery applications forward and ensure 2050 net-zero emissions targets don’t face total failure.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Vida, the electric two-wheeler brand of Hero MotoCorp, aims to disrupt the electric two-wheeler segment with the introduction of a subscription-based Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model. This move is expected to make electric mobility more affordable, with the fine details set to be announced on 1 July 2025.

The company shared that in addition to a flexible ‘pay-as-you-go’ ownership model, the BaaS subscription solution will significantly reduce the upfront ownership cost, making EVs more affordable and accessible to a wider customer base. Customers will be able to get separate finance options for the scooter chassis and battery, reducing significant upfront capital expenditure into manageable monthly payments.

Under the new business model, Vida customers will have greater flexibility for their monthly payments, along with access to over 3,600 fast-charging stations and more than 500 service points in over 100 cities.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle startup Oben Electric has raised an additional INR 500 million in May 2025 through an extended Series A funding round led by existing investors Helios Holdings, Sharda family office, Kay family and other new and existing investors.

With this, the company has raised INR 1 billion in Series A and overall INR 2 billion in funding. The funding will be used towards expanding the company’s dealership presence to over 150 showrooms in more than 50 cities this fiscal, accelerating development of its 'O100' affordable e-motorcycle platform and scaling up its manufacturing operations.

Sandesh from Sharda family office, said, “Oben Electric had the right technology, product market fit and growth indicators. They are operating in an untapped large market opportunity with multi-fold revenue growth QoQ, the feedback of the electric motorcycle was great and their vertical integration of critical EV components, including LFP battery, motor and vehicle control unit is a key differentiator. We were also impressed by the maturity of the founders which is required to build such a large & complex business and believe that they would be successful in building the first global electric motorcycle brand from India.”

At present, Oben Electric already has 37 retail outlets across 26 cities in 13 states, entering key markets like Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

Madhumita Agrawal, Founder & CEO, Oben Electric, said, “The extended Series A funding is a strong vote of confidence from our investors and comes at a time when our momentum is accelerating nationwide. We’re expanding not just our retail footprint but also our innovation roadmap with platforms like O100 that aim to democratise electric motorcycles for the mass market. Backed by full vertical integration and a resilient supply chain, this funding prepares us for a new phase of scale, impact, and growth opportunities.”

The EV start-up claims to be an R&D-led, vertically integrated company, designing and manufacturing not just e-motorcycles but also all critical components, including batteries, motors, vehicle control units and home fast chargers. It currently has over 500 member team, 100,000-units-per-year manufacturing facility in Jigani, Bengaluru, over 150 vendors. It tests its e-motorcycles over 200 performance parameters and is supported by more than 68,000 public charging stations and over 10 ecosystem partners for insurance, financing and roadside assistance.

The Oben Rorr e-motorcycle line-up starts at INR 99,999 for the Oben Rorr EZ, which can go from zero to 40 kmph in 3.3 seconds, top speed of 95 kmph and a range of up to 175 km (IDC) across three battery variant. On the other hand, the Oben Rorr, its flagship product is designed for high performance. Both EVs are powered by high performance LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery technology.

Going forward, the EV maker aims to further raise USD 30 million in Series B in CY2025 to expand its presence globally.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bajaj Auto, the world's leading two and three-wheeler manufacturer, today announced the launch of the Chetak 3001, an advanced iteration of its popular Chetak 2903 electric scooter at INR 99,990. Built on the same cutting-edge EV platform as the highly successful Chetak 35 Series, the new Chetak 3001 boasts floorboard-mounted 3.0 kWh batteries, promising an enhanced riding experience with improved stability, increased storage and extended range.

Designed for Real Life: Key Innovations

The Chetak 3001 introduces several significant upgrades aimed at the everyday Indian rider:

• New Floorboard Battery Architecture: This design offers superior stability, more foot room and a lower centre of gravity for a more comfortable and mature ride.
• Class-Leading 127 KM Range: Certified for extensive distances, making it ideal for daily commutes and weekend excursions.
• Massive 35L Boot Space: Ample storage for essentials, from helmets to shopping bags.
• Rapid Charging: A 750W charger enables zero to 80 percent charge in just 3 hours 50 minutes, positioning it among the fastest in its category.

The Chetak 3001 integrates optional TecPac Features for a smarter ride, including call accept/reject, music control, Guide Me Home lights, Hill Hold Assist, reverse light and auto-flashing stop lamp.

True to Bajaj's legacy, the Chetak 3001 is engineered for durability and the diverse Indian conditions:

• Solid Steel Metal Body: The only metal-bodied EV in its class, ensuring robustness.
• IP67 Rated Water Resistance: Providing protection against monsoon rains and splashes.
• Trusted Heritage: Manufactured by Bajaj Auto, backed by a legacy of quality and a vast network of over 3,800 service centres across India.

Eric Vas, President, Urbanite Business Unit, Bajaj Auto, said, "Chetak 3001 sets the benchmark for mass adoption of electric scooters. Built on the next-generation platform, it delivers the range and performance that Indian scooter riders demand – distraction-free riding with the peace of mind of assured reliability and service. The Chetak 3001 is the everyday electric scooter to make petrol scooters redundant; its bigger, stronger and fully Lifeproof at an ex-showroom price of INR 99,990."

Riding on a wave of innovation, Bajaj's Chetak series concluded Q4 FY2025 Q4 as India's top-selling electric scooter. The 35 Series, spearheaded by models like the 3501 and 3502, has already redefined the EV landscape. The Chetak 3001 is set to continue this momentum, embodying a blend of advanced technology and the brand's enduring heritage.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bengaluru-based electric vehicle manufacturer Ultraviolette Automotive has made a striking statement today with the European launch of its flagship performance motorcycles, the F77 Mach 2 and F77 SuperStreet, at a special event held in front of the Eiffel Tower. This move into the French market, following a successful debut in Germany, underscores Ultraviolette's ambitious drive to become a significant global player in the electric vehicle segment. With this the EV maker has established its presence in 10 European countries such as Germany, France, UK, Ireland, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg.

The F77 Mach 2 boasts a race-bred design, promising a dynamic and aggressive ride, while the F77 SuperStreet offers a more upright posture and refined ergonomics, prioritizing rider comfort without sacrificing performance.

Narayan Subramaniam, CEO & Co-Founder, Ultraviolette, said, “The launch of the F77 in Germany, France, the UK and other European countries is a defining moment for Ultraviolette and a landmark achievement for India’s automobile landscape. This launch signifies Ultraviolette’s entry into Europe’s most influential two-wheeler markets and underlines our intent to be a global force in the electric mobility revolution. As an Indian company, we are proud to bring futuristic design and cutting-edge technology to the world. This is a moment of global recognition for the talent and capability within India’s engineering and manufacturing ecosystem. Through our strategic distributor partnerships, we are not only expanding into Europe but also delivering a world-class ownership experience that reflects the best of what India has to offer.”

Both F77 models are capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 kmph in a mere 2.8 seconds. Powered by a 10.3 kWh battery pack, they deliver a peak power output of 30 kW and a staggering 100 Nm of torque, enabling swift acceleration and agile handling with a top speed of 155 km/h. These advanced motorcycles are equipped with Ultraviolette’s proprietary artificial intelligence system, Violette A.I., and industry-leading switchable Dual-Channel ABS developed by Bosch. Further enhancing the riding experience are features like 10 levels of Regenerative Braking, 4 levels of Traction Control and Dynamic Stability Control.

Niraj Rajmohan, CTO & Co-founder of Ultraviolette, added “This isn’t just the introduction of motorcycles into new markets, it’s the global unveiling of years of relentless research, engineering, and innovation, born in India. We set out with a bold ambition to build the most advanced electric motorcycle in the world. Today, we are delivering that vision to international customers. The F77 is the result of deep in-house R&D, rigorous testing, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, innovation, safety, and design. For India, this milestone represents not just our ability to participate in the global EV transition, but to lead it with technology that competes at the highest level."

To celebrate the European launch, Ultraviolette is offering a special introductory price for all pre-bookings made up to 31 July 31 2025. The F77 Mach 2 will be available starting at EUR 8,990 (regular price: EUR 9,990), and the F77 SuperStreet will be priced from EUR 9,290 (regular price: EUR 10,390).

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!