Reliance Joins the EV Race: Should Investors Gear Up?

A few years ago, the phrase “electric vehicle” felt like something out of a tech expo in California. Fast forward to 2025, and things have shifted dramatically — especially in India. Scooters whirring quietly through traffic, buses gliding without a hint of exhaust, and charging stations popping up in mall parking lots — the EV revolution is no longer coming. It’s already here.

And now, one of India’s biggest business giants wants in.

Yes, Reliance Industries — the conglomerate that transformed telecom with Jio, redefined retail, and plays a massive role in India's energy ecosystem — is officially stepping into the electric vehicle (EV) game. And if you know anything about Reliance, you know they don’t do anything halfway.

So what does this mean for investors?

Is this just another “buzz announcement” to ride the EV hype? Or is Mukesh Ambani laying the groundwork for India’s next great industrial shift?

Let’s unpack the story — and what it could mean for your money.

The Spark: Why Reliance Is Entering the EV Space

Reliance Industries has long had its eyes on green energy and future tech. From investing billions in solar and hydrogen to acquiring battery-tech startups, the writing’s been on the wall for a while.

But now, the company is making concrete moves into electric mobility — and not just as a vehicle manufacturer. Unlike Tesla or Tata Motors, Reliance seems to be targeting the entire EV ecosystem.

We’re talking:

• EV battery manufacturing

• Critical materials and supply chain control

• Energy storage solutions for grid and transport

• Possibly even a JV with an international EV maker

• Swapping and charging infrastructure

Reliance is taking the “Jio model” — build infrastructure, own distribution, and dominate market share — and applying it to the EV sector. The idea? Don’t just sell electric vehicles. Power the entire electric future.

The Strategic Moves You Might’ve Missed

In typical Reliance style, they’re not shouting from the rooftops — they’re quietly building an empire behind the scenes.

Here’s what we know so far:

1. Battery Tech Acquisitions

Reliance acquired Faradion, a UK-based startup specializing in sodium-ion batteries — a potential game-changer in reducing EV costs. Sodium-ion batteries are cheaper, safer, and ideal for tropical countries like India.

2. Partnerships with Global Giants

Talks have been underway with several international battery and energy storage firms. There’s buzz about collaborations with companies in the EU and East Asia — a region Reliance is courting aggressively for clean tech.

3. Gigafactory Plans in Gujarat

Reliance is setting up an integrated energy giga-complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to manufacture and recycle EV batteries, solar cells, and more. This factory could make India one of the largest clean-tech producers globally.

4. Charging and Swapping Infrastructure

There are rumors that Jio-bp — Reliance’s fuel and mobility JV — is planning a nationwide network of EV charging and battery swap stations. Think “petrol pump” but for EVs.

5. Possible EV Model or JV

Some insiders hint Reliance might eventually launch its own EV — or more likely, partner with an existing international EV manufacturer to bring affordable, high-range models to Indian roads.

So… Should You Invest?

Now, let’s get to the money question. What does this mean for investors?

Here’s a simple truth: Reliance doesn’t move without a long-term plan. They’re known for their “0 to 100” strategy. Remember how people dismissed Jio in 2016? Today, it dominates India’s telecom market and has redefined internet access for millions.

With EVs, Reliance isn’t trying to sell a car tomorrow. They’re setting up a decade-long game that could shape the very backbone of India’s mobility infrastructure.

If they succeed, we’re not just looking at a new product line — we’re looking at a new vertical that could add billions in revenue.

Risks to Consider

Of course, no investment is without risk.

1. High CAPEX – Clean energy and EV infra demand heavy capital upfront. Returns won’t come overnight.
   
   

2. Tech dependency – Battery tech is evolving fast. Reliance must keep pace or risk becoming outdated.
   
   

3. Competition – Tata Motors, Ola Electric, and even government-backed initiatives like FAME III will keep the market hot.
   
   

4. Policy Whiplash – Any shift in government subsidy or EV regulations could affect timelines.
   
   

But here’s the catch — Reliance has deep pockets, political influence, and a proven history of reshaping industries. They’re not betting on one horse. They’re building the racetrack.

What Smart Investors Are Doing Now

Smart investors aren’t necessarily buying Reliance stock today just for EV exposure. Instead, they’re watching the build-up — tracking Jio-bp’s growth, monitoring gigafactory progress, and keeping an eye on battery partnerships.

But some are already increasing their Reliance holdings, betting that EV and clean tech could be the company’s next major growth engine — especially with oil and gas slowly losing favor.

Others are exploring ancillary stocks — battery suppliers, mineral miners, charging infra players — who may benefit from Reliance’s ambitious rollout.

In short: Don’t ignore the signs.

Final Thoughts: This Isn’t Just Another EV Play

Reliance entering the EV race isn’t just about cars — it’s about controlling India’s energy future.

They’re not trying to sell you a sleek sedan. They’re building the highways, the batteries, the power stations, and the digital layers that EVs need to thrive.

If you're an investor with a long-term lens, it’s worth watching closely. Because if Ambani’s playbook repeats itself, we could be witnessing the birth of India’s EV backbone — and Reliance might just be the spine.