Walton And PRAN-RFL To Begin Lithium-Ion Battery Production In Bangladesh

🔋 Demand for lithium-ion batteries is rising in Bangladesh as the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy continues to grow. Seeking to tap into this expanding market, two of the country''s major industrial groups, Walton and PRAN-RFL, have invested in the sector. Walton will begin producing lithium-ion battery cells next month, while PRAN-RFL Group plans to import lithium-ion cells and manufacture battery packs at its own factory in November 2026.

📊 Walton Hi-Tech Industries, a subsidiary of Walton Group, has established a lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing plant in Chandra, Gazipur. The factory will have an annual production capacity of 10 million (1 crore) battery cells. These cells will be used in products such as motorcycles, toys, rechargeable lights, rechargeable fans and digital scales. The company has invested Tk 1.13 billion (113 crore) in the project so far. PRAN-RFL Group has established a lithium-ion battery pack manufacturing plant at its industrial park in Habiganj. The facility will have an annual production capacity of 60,000 battery packs. The company has already invested Tk 250 million (25 crore) in the project.

🏛 Bangladesh''s battery market

Bangladesh''s annual market for all types of batteries is currently worth around Tk 150 billion. Lithium-ion batteries account for Tk 20 billion to Tk 25 billion of this market. This means lead-acid batteries still dominate the sector. However, companies investing in the industry expect lithium-ion batteries to gradually replace lead-acid batteries. Discussions with industry insiders reveal that demand for batteries is growing rapidly for battery-powered rickshaws, electric bikes and electricity storage in homes, commercial establishments and industrial facilities.

Bangladesh currently has an estimated 150,000 battery-powered rickshaws. The annual market for batteries used in this sector is worth between Tk 16 billion and Tk 18 billion. Meanwhile, 12,000 to 16,000 electric two-wheelers, or electric bikes, are sold annually. The batteries used in these vehicles represent an annual market worth Tk 6.75 billion to Tk 9 billion. In addition, batteries used for electricity storage account for an annual market worth Tk 9 billion. Companies entering the sector are targeting these three markets with their investments.

👥 Lithium-ion advantages and challenges

Industry insiders say lithium-ion batteries are lighter and more durable than conventional lead-acid batteries. They also charge in approximately one-third of the time required by lead-acid batteries, making them more energy-efficient. However, lithium-ion batteries cost nearly twice as much as conventional lead-acid batteries. Walton officials said the company would soon begin producing large prismatic lithium and sodium battery cells for use in electric vehicles, energy storage systems and other high-power applications.

The cost premium of lithium-ion batteries is currently a barrier to mass adoption, but industry insiders expect prices to come down as local production scales up and technology improves. The fact that Walton and PRAN-RFL are investing in local manufacturing is significant because it should help reduce import dependence, create local employment, and build domestic technological capabilities in the battery sector.

💰 Walton''s strategic positioning

Walton''s investment in lithium-ion battery cell manufacturing is a significant strategic move for the company. Walton is best known for its consumer electronics and home appliance products — including refrigerators, air conditioners, televisions, and mobile phones. The company''s move into battery cell manufacturing represents a vertical integration strategy that could see Walton produce batteries for its own products as well as for third-party customers.

The Chandra plant''s annual capacity of 10 million cells is substantial for the domestic market. If Walton can successfully produce high-quality cells at competitive prices, the company could become a major supplier to Bangladesh''s growing electric vehicle, renewable energy, and consumer electronics sectors. The investment also positions Walton to potentially export batteries to regional markets — particularly India, Nepal, and other South Asian countries where demand for lithium-ion batteries is also growing.

🌏 PRAN-RFL''s battery pack strategy

PRAN-RFL''s approach is different from Walton''s. Rather than manufacturing battery cells from scratch, PRAN-RFL will import cells and assemble them into battery packs at its Habiganj plant. This is a less capital-intensive entry point into the lithium-ion battery market, and it allows PRAN-RFL to leverage its existing manufacturing capabilities while building expertise in battery pack design and assembly.

PRAN-RFL Group is one of Bangladesh''s largest diversified conglomerates, with interests in food processing, agro-commodities, plastic products, and consumer goods. The company''s move into lithium-ion battery packs represents a diversification into the technology sector — and one that leverages the company''s strong distribution network and brand recognition. The Habiganj industrial park where the battery pack plant is located is one of PRAN-RFL''s major manufacturing hubs, with established infrastructure for industrial production.

🤝 Strategic significance for Bangladesh

The investments by Walton and PRAN-RFL are strategically significant for Bangladesh for several reasons. First, they represent a major domestic investment in advanced manufacturing — something that has historically been limited in Bangladesh. The country''s manufacturing sector has been dominated by readymade garments, with relatively limited diversification into higher-value, technology-intensive products.

Second, the investments support Bangladesh''s broader energy transition agenda. Lithium-ion batteries are critical for the deployment of renewable energy (particularly solar power), electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. By building domestic battery manufacturing capability, Bangladesh can reduce its dependence on imported batteries and support the growth of its clean energy sector.

Third, the investments create new export opportunities. As global demand for lithium-ion batteries grows rapidly — driven by the electric vehicle revolution and the renewable energy transition — Bangladesh has the opportunity to position itself as a regional manufacturing hub for battery cells and packs. The country''s low-cost labour, growing manufacturing capabilities, and strategic location between India and Southeast Asia make it an attractive destination for battery manufacturing investment.

💰 Looking ahead

The coming months will be critical for both Walton and PRAN-RFL as they begin commercial production. The success of their investments will depend on their ability to produce high-quality batteries at competitive prices, build customer relationships, and navigate the technical challenges of battery manufacturing. If successful, their investments could mark the beginning of a significant new industry in Bangladesh — one that supports the country''s energy transition, creates high-skilled employment, and contributes to export diversification beyond readymade garments.

For Bangladesh''s broader industrial development, the Walton and PRAN-RFL investments demonstrate that the country''s largest conglomerates are increasingly willing to invest in advanced manufacturing sectors. This is a positive signal for the country''s long-term industrial trajectory — and one that could attract further investment in technology-intensive manufacturing in the coming years.