BUSINESS

Chinese Battery Giant Eyes Bangladesh’s 4 Million E-Trikes in Pivot to Lithium

Published: Jan. 31, 2026 3:29 a.m. GMT+8

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Tianneng signed a cooperation agreement with Rahimafrooz Group, one of Bangladesh’s leading battery manufacturers on Jan. 26, 2026.

China’s leading lead-acid battery manufacturer has entered Bangladesh’s rapidly growing electric tricycle market with its first overseas shipment of lithium batteries, signaling a strategic shift in its global ambitions.

Tianneng Battery Group Co. Ltd., a Shanghai-listed firm best known for its lead-acid technology, confirmed it recently delivered lithium battery units designed for three-wheelers and low-speed electric vehicles to Bangladesh. The company is partnering with local conglomerate Rahimafrooz Group, one of the country’s biggest battery manufacturers.

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China’s Tianneng Battery Group shipped its first lithium batteries for electric tricycles to Bangladesh, partnering with Rahimafrooz Group.
Bangladesh’s electric tricycle fleet grew from 200,000 in 2016 to over 4 million in 2026, with 25 million daily passengers, but 80% of used batteries are recycled in unregulated, hazardous conditions.
Lead pollution is severe; nearly 60% of children suffer lead poisoning, prompting calls to shift to lithium batteries despite higher costs.

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Who’s Who

Tianneng Battery Group Co. Ltd.: Tianneng Battery Group Co. Ltd. is a Shanghai-listed Chinese battery manufacturer, primarily known for its lead-acid battery technology. It has recently expanded into the international market by shipping its first overseas delivery of lithium batteries for electric tricycles and low-speed electric vehicles to Bangladesh. The company has partnered with Bangladesh's Rahimafrooz Group to penetrate this growing market.

Rahimafrooz Group: Rahimafrooz Group is a major battery manufacturer and local conglomerate in Bangladesh. They are partnering with Tianneng Battery Group Co. Ltd. to distribute lithium batteries for electric tricycles and low-speed electric vehicles. Rahimafrooz is also one of the licensed firms involved in recycling used batteries in a country where illegal recycling is a significant environmental and health concern.

Xingheng Power Co. Ltd.: Xingheng Power Co. Ltd. is a Chinese battery manufacturer. The company is actively expanding overseas, like its competitor Tianneng, specializing in lithium battery solutions. Xingheng recently launched two high-capacity lithium battery models designed for motorcycles and tricycles, indicating its focus on the electric vehicle market, particularly in regions transitioning from lead-acid batteries.

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What Happened When

2016：: The number of electric tricycles in Bangladesh was around 200,000.

April 2024：: Pure Earth Bangladesh valued the battery industry at $870 million and estimated that only 20% of used batteries are recycled by licensed firms; the remaining 80% were processed by over 1,100 illegal smelters.