LiNMC and NaNMC/NFM cathode-based battery packs for e-bike
Subcategory (under Clean Energy): Cross Cutting
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL 4 - Early prototype
Technology Outline (Process Description)
Nickel manganese and cobalt based cathode materials, known as NMC, are emerging as promising options due to their high discharge capacity compared to conventional materials for application in EVs. Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (Li NMC) cathode-based Li-ion batteries are crucial for EV applications, offering high energy density, excellent power capabil- ity, and long cycle life. These batteries enable extended driving ranges and efficient power delivery. Li NMC cathode-based batteries also exhibit good thermal stability, ensuring safety and reliability in EVs. Under the DST MES project, NMC cathode materials were developed with a discharge capacity of over 231 mAh/g and cyclability exceeding 2000. Cylindrical cells were fabricated, and a 42 V, 7 Ah battery pack was assembled to test an e-bike. Additionally, NaNMC/NFM cathode and biowaste based hard carbon materials were also synthesized, and a 42 V, 6Ah sodium-ion battery pack was developed for an e-bicycle. A battery management system, charger, and cell balancing system were also developed. Present development is, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative.
Salient Features/Advantages
- LiNMC cathode based 42 V, 7 Ah battery pack offered range of about 56 Km and speed 30 Km/hr for e-bike, while slightly less range per charge and almost the same speed were realized using NaNMC/NFM cathode and biowaste derived HC based sodium ion battery pack. Developed cell balancing unit is very cost effective and was fabricated using SMPS from a computer
Key Outcomes
- Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (Li NMC) cathode-based Li-ion cylindrical cells with high energy density, excellent power capability, and long cycle life having capacity 2Ah were prepared and used to fabricate 42 V, 7 Ah battery pack to test the running of an e-bike
- NaNMC/NFM cathodes and biowaste derived HC were synthesized to prepare 1 Ah sodium ion cylindrical cells and a 42 V, 6Ah sodium ion battery pack to run e-bicycle
- Battery management system (BMS), cell balancing unit and suitable charger for charging the SIB pack were also developed.
IP Protection details
- Patent filed (Title, national/International): Prolong cycling stability of hard carbon based anode derived from almond shell (Prunus dulcis) biowaste for sodium ion batteries
- Patents Granted: Nil
- Copyrights obtained /progress on commercialisation /Pl. specify connect with industry: Talks with concerned industries for scale up production
Contact details (for more information)
- Nodal Person name: Prof. Rajendra Kumar Singh
- Email ID: rajendrasingh.bhu@gmail.com
- Organisation name (Relevant link/web page): Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
Supporting Photographs/Images

Organizations involved in the development (logo/name) Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi |