CHENNAI: Grinntech, an investor-backed startup specialising in Lithium-Ion batteries for EVs and energy storage systems, has signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to establish a battery and battery management system manufacturing facility in the state to cater to the anticipated growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in India.
“We are grateful to the Tamil Nadu government for their vision in attracting investment in the fast-growing EV and EV-component sectors. Chennai has had the label of “Detroit of the East”. Now, as the global auto industry shifts to electrification, this initiative by the Tamil Nadu government will help India’s EV industry be future-ready”, said Puneet Jain, co-founder of Grinntech.
Grinntech, which has attracted several industry veterans as investors since its incubation at IIT-Madras Research Park, operates its R&D and pilot manufacturing facility in Chennai. In addition, the company has outlined plans for outlay of almost Rs 100 crore for R&D, product development and production facilities which will lead to the employment of 250 staff over the next five years.
The company has showcased a range of high-tech Lithium-Ion batteries, along with their proprietary battery management systems, suitable for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, light vehicles and farm tractors. The company is engaged in discussions with a number of OEM manufacturers and fleet operators for supply of batteries and related systems.

Grinntech also announced the appointment of E Balasubramoniam as president of Grinntech. Balasubramoniam, has more than 35 years of experience in the auto industry including prior leadership roles in Maruti-Suzuki, Tata Motors and most recently as senior VP at Ashok-Leyland and CEO of the Nissan-Ashok Leyland JV. Balasubramoniam is an alumnus of IIT-Madras.