ISRO signed a memorandum of understanding with which public sector company to transfer its technology for low cost lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles?

Introduction / Context:
This question is about technology transfer and the promotion of electric mobility in India. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) developed indigenous lithium ion battery technology for use in its space missions. Recognising the importance of electric vehicles, ISRO agreed to transfer this technology to a public sector company to support large scale commercial production of batteries.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• ISRO is the organisation that developed lithium ion battery technology.
• The purpose of the memorandum of understanding is technology transfer for low cost batteries.
• The application area is electric vehicles and possibly other civilian uses.
• The options list several central public sector enterprises in different sectors.

Concept / Approach:
The public sector company selected to receive ISRO s lithium ion battery technology was Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, commonly known as BHEL. BHEL, although traditionally associated with heavy electrical equipment, has been diversifying into renewable energy and electric transportation solutions. The MoU with ISRO allows BHEL to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles using proven space grade technology.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question deals with lithium ion battery technology developed by ISRO. Step 2: Recall that ISRO agreed to transfer this technology to a public sector engineering company for commercial manufacture. Step 3: Remember that Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, BHEL, was the enterprise chosen for this collaboration. Step 4: Compare this memory with the options and choose BHEL as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Official statements from ISRO and BHEL, as well as press releases from the government, clearly state that an MoU was signed for the transfer of lithium ion battery technology from ISRO to BHEL. The aim is to scale up production for electric vehicles and stationary storage applications. No such MoU for this specific technology transfer was signed with SAIL, DRDO, GAIL or NTPC in the same context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
SAIL: This company operates in the steel sector and was not the chosen partner for lithium ion battery technology. DRDO: Although a major defence research organisation, it is not a commercial public sector company and was not the recipient of this civilian technology transfer. GAIL: GAIL focuses on natural gas and petrochemicals, not battery manufacturing. NTPC: NTPC is primarily an electricity generation company and was not the immediate partner for this particular technology transfer.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may choose DRDO because they associate it with advanced defence technology, forgetting that the question refers to commercialisation for electric vehicles. Others may confuse this MoU with separate initiatives involving NTPC or other energy companies. The safe approach is to associate BHEL with engineering and manufacturing capacity suitable for mass production of battery packs.

Final Answer:
ISRO signed the memorandum of understanding to transfer lithium ion battery technology to BHEL, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited.