SAIL Bokaro Achieves Breakthrough with Indigenous Electrical Steel for EVs and Power Equipment

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has achieved a major technological milestone as its Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) successfully developed a special grade of electrical steel for the first time in India. This innovation marks a new chapter in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in high-grade steel manufacturing, particularly in the fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) and power equipment sectors.

The newly developed 0.5 mm thick IS 18316 LS grade non-grain oriented (NGO) electrical steel is a key material used in electric motors, generators, small transformers, and hybrid vehicle rotors. Until now, India has been largely dependent on imports for such specialized steel, which plays a crucial role in improving energy efficiency and reducing power loss in rotating electrical machines.

By producing nearly 1,100 tonnes of this advanced electrical steel, Bokaro Steel Plant has demonstrated its growing technological strength and innovation capabilities. This achievement aligns with SAIL’s broader goal of diversifying its product portfolio toward high-value and advanced steel grades that cater to emerging industrial applications.

The development of NGO electrical steel comes at a time when India’s EV and renewable energy sectors are witnessing exponential growth. The demand for efficient electrical steels is expected to rise sharply in the coming years, driven by increased adoption of electric mobility, green energy, and energy-efficient infrastructure. SAIL’s success in this segment is, therefore, a timely contribution to the “Make in India” initiative, aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependence on costly imports.

The Bokaro Steel Plant’s breakthrough also reflects SAIL’s continuous efforts to enhance its research, development, and innovation ecosystem. By mastering this complex grade, the company has positioned itself among the few global producers capable of manufacturing specialized electrical steel that meets international quality standards.

With this milestone, SAIL has not only strengthened India’s steel manufacturing capability but also contributed significantly to the nation’s journey toward sustainable industrial growth and energy efficiency.