OMC Power Ventures into EV Battery Repurposing with Honda Collaboration
OMC Power has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) battery repurposing sector, aiming to provide innovative energy storage solutions across various market segments, according to Rohit Chandra, the company's co-founder and CEO. This strategic move involves reusing retired EV batteries sourced from stakeholder Honda Motor Co. Ltd., which will be deployed for both home and commercial applications, including uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems and hybrid rooftop solar installations.
Partnership Details and Battery Supply Chain
Honda, which acquired a minority stake in OMC Power in October 2025, has committed to supplying used batteries after three years of vehicle use, with this arrangement set to continue for the next seven years. Chandra highlighted that repurposing EV batteries represents a relatively new frontier in India, and OMC Power may be among the pioneering companies to undertake such initiatives in collaboration with Honda. He emphasized that concerns regarding the post-vehicle lifecycle of EV batteries make second-life applications not only viable but also crucial for sustainable energy management.
Manufacturing and Operational Plans
The company will assemble these energy storage systems at its Manesar facility, integrating Honda batteries with its existing UPS solutions. Honda is projected to manufacture approximately 6 million EV batteries annually, a significant portion of which will eventually become available for reuse, thereby supporting OMC Power's operations. This partnership leverages Honda's production scale and OMC Power's expertise in energy solutions to create a circular economy model for battery usage.
Pilot Projects and Renewable Energy Investments
OMC Power has already completed several pilot projects to validate its technology, including a notable solar rooftop installation with battery support at a school in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh. These initiatives demonstrate the practical applications and benefits of repurposed batteries in real-world settings. Looking ahead, the company is making substantial investments to expand its renewable energy portfolio, with plans to invest Rs 4,000 crore to build a 1 GWp renewable energy capacity by 2030. This includes a targeted increase from the current 75 MWp to 600 MWp in rooftop solar projects specifically within the healthcare sector, underscoring its commitment to sustainable energy growth.
Market Implications and Future Outlook
This entry into the EV battery repurposing space positions OMC Power as a key player in India's evolving energy storage market, addressing both environmental concerns and energy reliability needs. By transforming retired EV batteries into valuable assets for energy storage, the company not only extends the lifecycle of these components but also contributes to reducing electronic waste and enhancing grid stability. The collaboration with Honda is expected to drive innovation and set new standards in the industry, potentially inspiring similar ventures across the country.
