In this discussion, Shristi Achar, a Ken reporter focused on tech and manufacturing, highlights the challenges facing Karnataka's electric vehicle battery initiatives. She dives into the logistical hurdles of establishing battery plants, including electricity and water supply issues. Shristi also reflects on the competitive landscape for battery manufacturing in India and the complexities of local production amid global supply chain dependencies. Unexpected insights into industry growth and resilience add depth to her analysis.
Agilitas Sports, founded by ex-Puma executives, is innovating by creating a B2B footwear production ecosystem tailored for Indian consumers.
Karnataka's ambition in lithium-ion battery manufacturing is stalling due to infrastructural challenges and reliance on imported technology despite strong market demand.
Deep dives
The Rise of Agilitas Sports
Agilitas Sports, founded by three former Puma executives, has seen rapid success within just a year, generating over 700 crore rupees in revenue. The founders, leveraging their extensive experience in the sportswear industry, made a remarkable move by acquiring Mochiko, a significant player in India’s footwear manufacturing sector. This acquisition represents a shift away from traditional branding approaches, as Agilitas aims to become a leading B2B manufacturer instead of launching its own footwear brand. The company's strategy is designed to cater to the diverse foot shapes of the Indian populace, focusing on producing shoes specifically tailored for the local market.
Innovative Manufacturing Ecosystem
Agilitas plans to establish a comprehensive ecosystem for footwear production that includes design, manufacturing, and distribution, setting it apart from competitors. Traditional footwear brands often rely on multiple manufacturers for different components, complicating the production process. However, Agilitas intends to consolidate this process by keeping manufacturing in-house to boost efficiency and reduce logistical challenges. This ambitious strategy not only aims to optimize costs but also positions Agilitas uniquely in a saturated market where most brands outsource production.
Challenges in Electric Vehicle Battery Production
Karnataka's ambitions in the electric vehicle sector, particularly in lithium-ion battery production, are currently hindered by significant infrastructural and logistical challenges. Despite government support and tax incentives, the reliance on imported battery technology remains a critical issue, with the majority of batteries being imported from China. The demand for EV batteries is projected to surge, yet local production capacities are woefully inadequate in comparison to this increasing need. Companies in Karnataka are competing to establish battery manufacturing plants, yet they face daunting hurdles, including high import costs and delays in sourcing necessary materials.
Logistical Hurdles and Market Competition
The Indian EV battery sector is grappling with several logistical inefficiencies that complicate the establishment of manufacturing plants. Issues such as slow visa processing for foreign technical experts, inadequate utility supplies for new factories, and outdated bureaucratic processes impede progress. Moreover, the market has become more competitive due to a significant drop in lithium-ion battery prices globally, further complicating the feasibility of new investments in the industry. While companies are striving to adapt and overcome these challenges, the path ahead appears to be filled with obstacles before achieving a sustainable and competitive production capacity.
Considering it's the end of the year, we thought we’d ask the reporters in our newsroom to talk to us about the stories they liked best. This week, we have DVLS Pranathi and Shristi Achar on the show.
They share two of their favourite stories — First, Pranathi tells us about an unconventional new homegrown footwear company started by three former Puma executives.
Next, Shristi speaks to us about why Karnataka’s EV battery making ambitions are stuck in low gear.
Daybreak is produced from the newsroom of The Ken, India’s first subscriber-only business news platform. Subscribe for more exclusive, deeply-reported, and analytical business stories.Listen to the latest episode of Two by Two here
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