Coulomb Litech Secures ₹20 Crore Seed Funding: IIT Kanpur Alumni-Built EV Battery Startup Powers Heavy-Duty Electrification
In a strong vote of confidence for India’s homegrown EV battery ecosystem, Coulomb Litech—a Mumbai-based battery technology startup founded by IIT Kanpur alumni—has raised ₹20 crore in a seed funding round to scale its manufacturing capabilities and expand its footprint in the commercial electric vehicle segment.
The funding round, which attracted interest from high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) and reflects growing investor appetite for deep-tech solutions in India’s clean mobility transition, will be deployed to set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Navi Mumbai, accelerate research and development, and scale ongoing pilot programs across heavy EV applications .
This infusion comes at a pivotal moment when India is racing to build domestic battery manufacturing capacity, reduce dependence on imported cells, and meet ambitious EV penetration targets (30% by 2030) . Coulomb Litech’s focus on fast-charging, long-life battery systems for medium and heavy-duty electric vehicles positions it as a critical enabler of India’s commercial electrification story .
The Funding Round: Key Details
At a Glance
Investor Profile
While the company has not disclosed specific lead investors, reports indicate that the round includes participation from high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) with conviction in India’s EV battery story . The mix of investor types suggests confidence from both financial backers and potential strategic partners who see value in Coulomb Litech’s differentiated approach to heavy-duty battery systems.
The Founders: IIT Kanpur Alumni with Deep-Tech Pedigree
Coulomb Litech was founded in 2020 by Ameya Sathe and Darshil Dharod, both alumni of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur .
Founder Backgrounds
| Founder | Role | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Ameya Sathe | Co-founder | IIT Kanpur alumnus; deep expertise in battery systems and electrification |
| Darshil Dharod | Co-founder | IIT Kanpur alumnus; focus on technology development and scaling |
The founders’ IIT Kanpur connection is significant—the institute has emerged as a powerhouse for deep-tech entrepreneurship, particularly in clean energy and mobility. Their decision to build in the battery technology space reflects a recognition that India’s EV story cannot rely solely on imported cells; domestic innovation in chemistry, packaging, and thermal management is essential.
What Coulomb Litech Builds: Heavy-Duty Battery Systems
Target Segments
Unlike many EV battery startups focused on two-wheelers or passenger cars, Coulomb Litech has strategically positioned itself in the medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicle segment—a space with higher technical barriers but also greater long-term impact .
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Electric tractors | Agricultural electrification |
| Material handling equipment | Forklifts, pallet movers, warehouse automation |
| Construction equipment | Cranes, excavators, heavy machinery |
| Electric three-wheelers (E-3W) | Commercial passenger and cargo |
| Energy storage systems | Stationary applications complementing mobility |
Technical Specifications
Coulomb Litech’s battery systems are engineered for the rigorous demands of commercial operation :
| Parameter | Capability |
|---|---|
| Voltage range | 51V to 700V (flexible across applications) |
| Battery capacity | Up to 80 kWh |
| Modular platforms | Medium-voltage and high-voltage configurations |
| Deployment status | Multiple commercial and pilot projects with OEMs across India |
The In-House Technology Stack
A key differentiator for Coulomb Litech is its end-to-end in-house technology development. The company has built its entire battery technology stack internally, covering :
Hardware
- Battery Management Systems (BMS)
- Liquid Cooling Systems (critical for thermal management in Indian conditions)
- CCS (Combined Charging System) Charging Systems
Software & Algorithms
- Proprietary battery management algorithms
- State-of-charge and state-of-health estimation
- Cell balancing and safety protocols
IoT & Analytics
- IoT-enabled analytics systems for real-time monitoring
- Battery health tracking and predictive maintenance
- Performance optimization based on usage patterns
This integrated approach delivers several advantages :
- Fast charging while extending battery life—a critical requirement for commercial EV users where downtime directly impacts economics
- Optimized thermal management for Indian conditions (high ambient temperatures, dust, variable road quality)
- Real-time insights for fleet operators to maximize asset utilization
- Safety by design with multiple layers of protection
How the Fresh Capital Will Be Used
1. State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Facility in Navi Mumbai
The primary allocation of funds will be toward establishing a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Navi Mumbai . This facility will:
- Scale production capacity to meet growing demand from OEM partners
- Enable rigorous quality control and testing
- Reduce dependence on external suppliers
- Create local employment and build manufacturing expertise
According to Mercom India, the facility will have an annual capacity of 1GWh, positioning Coulomb Litech to serve commercial EV segments at scale .
2. Research and Development
A significant portion of the funding will accelerate R&D efforts focused on :
- High-energy-density chemistries tailored to Indian conditions
- Faster charging capabilities to reduce vehicle downtime
- Longer cycle life for improved total cost of ownership
- Enhanced safety features for demanding commercial applications
- Cost reduction through localization and design optimization
3. Scaling Pilot Programs
Coulomb Litech already has multiple commercial and pilot deployments with OEM partners across India. The fresh capital will enable :
- Expansion of existing pilot programs in heavy EV segments (electric tractors, cranes, material handling equipment, E-3W)
- Onboarding of new pilot partners across geographies
- Rigorous testing and validation under real-world conditions
4. Strengthening OEM Partnerships
The company plans to deepen collaborations with :
- Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) looking to electrify heavy and utility vehicles
- Fleet operators seeking reliable, high-performance battery solutions
- Charging infrastructure players for integrated ecosystem development
5. Business Expansion
Beyond manufacturing and R&D, funds will support broader business development, including :
- Sales and marketing efforts to reach more customers
- Talent acquisition across engineering, operations, and customer success
- Working capital for scaling operations
The Market Opportunity: India’s Commercial EV Boom
EV Adoption Trends
India’s electric vehicle market is accelerating rapidly. According to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways data :
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| EV sales (2025) | 2.27 million units |
| YoY growth | 16%+ (from 1.95 million in 2024) |
| EV share of auto sales | 8% |
| Registered EVs (cumulative) | 8.1 million |
Notably, the EV market consistently surpassed the 100,000 unit mark each month in 2025, with October recording the highest sales at 236,629 units .
State-Level Leaders
| State | EV Sales (2025) |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 266,524 vehicles |
| Karnataka | 203,288 vehicles |
| Madhya Pradesh | 139,537 vehicles |
Coulomb Litech’s Mumbai base and Navi Mumbai manufacturing facility position it strategically in Maharashtra, India’s largest EV market .
The Commercial EV Opportunity
While passenger EVs grab headlines, the commercial and heavy-duty segments represent a massive opportunity :
- Electric tractors for agricultural transformation
- Material handling equipment for warehouses and logistics
- Construction equipment for infrastructure projects
- Electric three-wheelers for last-mile connectivity
- Fleet electrification across multiple use cases
These segments have distinct requirements: higher duty cycles, demanding operating conditions, need for fast charging, and total cost of ownership sensitivity. Coulomb Litech’s focus on these parameters makes it uniquely positioned to serve commercial customers .
Policy Tailwinds: Government Support for Battery Manufacturing
PLI Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC)
The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for ACC battery manufacturing is designed to boost domestic cell production and reduce import dependence. While Coulomb Litech is currently focused on battery packs rather than cells, the broader ecosystem support benefits all players.
Amendments to Auto PLI
In January 2026, the Ministry of Heavy Industries notified amendments to the PLI program for the automobile and auto components industry . The amendments:
- Revised performance criteria for EVs eligible for incentives
- Aligned criteria with new national electric mobility programs (including PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement)
FAME and State Policies
The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, along with state-level EV policies (including Maharashtra’s), creates demand pull for electric vehicles—and by extension, for domestically manufactured batteries.
The Competitive Landscape
Key Players in India’s EV Battery Ecosystem
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Cell manufacturers | Ola Cell Technologies, Reliance, Exide, Amara Raja |
| Battery pack integrators | Coulomb Litech, Log9 Materials, Battrixx, PURE EV |
| Thermal management specialists | Emerging startups and established players |
| BMS providers | In-house development (Coulomb Litech) and specialized firms |
Coulomb Litech’s Differentiation
| Differentiator | Coulomb Litech Advantage |
|---|---|
| Target segment | Medium/heavy commercial vehicles (higher barriers, less crowded) |
| In-house stack | Full control over hardware, software, and algorithms |
| Thermal management | Liquid cooling optimized for Indian conditions |
| Founders’ pedigree | IIT Kanpur deep-tech expertise |
| OEM partnerships | Multiple commercial deployments already underway |
What This Means for Different Stakeholders
For Fleet Operators
- Reliable, high-performance batteries designed for commercial duty cycles
- Fast charging to minimize downtime and maximize revenue
- Longer life improving total cost of ownership
- IoT-enabled monitoring for predictive maintenance
For OEMs
- Domestic partner for electrification of heavy vehicle platforms
- Customizable battery solutions tailored to specific applications
- Reduced supply chain risk through local sourcing
- Technical collaboration for optimal vehicle-battery integration
For Investors
- Exposure to high-growth commercial EV segment
- Backing of deep-tech IIT alumni founders
- Scalable manufacturing model with 1GWh capacity target
- Alignment with government priorities (Atmanirbhar Bharat, EV adoption)
For India’s EV Ecosystem
- Strengthened domestic battery value chain
- Reduced import dependence for critical components
- Job creation in manufacturing and engineering
- Demonstration that Indian startups can build core EV technology
Challenges Ahead
1. Scaling Manufacturing
Moving from pilot production to 1GWh capacity requires flawless execution in facility setup, equipment procurement, and process optimization.
2. Supply Chain Resilience
While localization is a goal, certain components (cells, some materials) may still require imports. Managing supply chain risks is critical.
3. Technology Validation
Battery performance must be proven across diverse operating conditions and over extended lifetimes. Rigorous testing and real-world feedback are essential.
4. Competition
Established players and new entrants are all targeting the EV battery opportunity. Differentiation and execution will determine winners.
5. Regulatory Compliance
Battery safety standards, recycling mandates, and other regulations are evolving. Staying ahead of compliance requirements is necessary.
The Road Ahead for Coulomb Litech
Near-Term Priorities
- Establish Navi Mumbai manufacturing facility with 1GWh capacity
- Scale ongoing pilot programs across tractor, material handling, and E-3W segments
- Deepen OEM partnerships for commercial deployments
- Build team across engineering, operations, and customer success
Medium-Term Vision
- Expand product portfolio to cover more applications
- Achieve cost leadership through scale and design optimization
- Strengthen localization across supply chain
- Explore export opportunities in Southeast Asia and other markets
Long-Term Impact
- Enable India’s commercial EV transition at scale
- Build enduring IP in battery technology
- Create sustainable manufacturing with circular economy principles
- Demonstrate that Indian deep-tech can lead globally
Conclusion: A Promising Addition to India’s EV Battery Story
Coulomb Litech’s ₹20 crore seed funding is more than a financial milestone—it’s a validation of the thesis that India can build core EV technology domestically, especially for the demanding commercial vehicle segments.
The company’s focus on:
- Heavy-duty applications (tractors, construction equipment, material handling)
- Full-stack in-house development (hardware, software, algorithms)
- Fast charging and thermal management optimized for Indian conditions
- OEM partnerships and real-world deployments
positions it as a significant player in India’s EV battery ecosystem.
With the new manufacturing facility in Navi Mumbai, expanded R&D capabilities, and growing OEM collaborations, Coulomb Litech is poised to capture a meaningful share of the commercial EV battery market—one of the fastest-growing segments in India’s mobility transition.
For the IIT Kanpur alumni founders and their team, this seed round is just the beginning. The real work lies ahead: scaling production, winning customers, and proving that Indian-built batteries can power the nation’s commercial electrification.
But with strong fundamentals, clear focus, and growing investor confidence, Coulomb Litech has laid a solid foundation for the journey ahead.
