Battery materials manufacturer Epsilon Advanced Materials is preparing to enter long-term strategic partnerships with companies seeking high-quality graphite anode and cathode materials sourced outside China, a company official said.

Electric vehicle (EV) batteries comprise components such as anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separator. Currently, China controls over 90 per cent of the global graphite anode and cathode processing capacity used in EVs.

Recent Chinese restrictions on the export of critical battery-grade materials and technologies for both graphite anode and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode have intensified global concerns over supply chain vulnerabilities in the EV sector, including in India.

This development coincides with India’s efforts to establish a resilient, localised battery supply chain amid China’s tightening export controls on key battery technologies.

“Epsilon is ready to partner with cell manufacturers and automotive OEMs seeking ex-China sourcing to secure a long-term supply of high-quality anode materials and LFP cathode while supporting localisation and sustainability objectives,” said Vikram Handa, Managing Director of Epsilon, in an interview.

China’s early mover advantage has allowed it to dominate the global battery materials supply chain for decades, but recent export restrictions underscore the critical need for battery manufacturers and OEMs to diversify sourcing beyond China, he explained.

“To start with, our integrated proprietary synthetic and natural graphite anode materials enable us to provide a secure and consistent supply chain across geographies. We have strategically invested in an R&D facility and commercial plant to deliver customer qualification samples for testing and approval,” he added.

Epsilon owns proprietary technology for manufacturing lithium iron phosphate cathode, supported by an R&D facility in Germany, shielding it from recent Chinese export curbs.

Many companies reliant on Chinese LFP cathode technology for manufacturing in India now face delays, as they must invest in developing their own R&D capabilities, which typically take five to six years to mature.

Epsilon operates manufacturing plants in India, the USA, and Finland, targeting a total anode material capacity of 60,000 tonnes by 2027 and 220,000 tonnes by 2030, making it the largest anode material producer outside China and enhancing the resilience of its supply network.

Its cathode material plant in India, with a planned capacity of 100,000 tonnes by 2030, will support India’s Atmanirbhar (self-reliance) goals in the EV battery material supply chain. This multi-continent presence offers international clients greater flexibility, localised supply options, and reduced risk of disruption.