Key Takeaways:
- Ashok Leyland to invest over ₹5,000 crore in developing localized battery manufacturing over the next 7–10 years.
- Long-term partnership signed with China’s CALB Group to strengthen the electric mobility supply chain.
- Focus on next-generation batteries for both automotive and non-automotive uses, including energy storage.
- A new Global Centre of Excellence will drive R&D in battery technology, recycling, and advanced manufacturing.
Major Investment to Power India’s Green Future
Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group and a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled plans to enter large-scale battery production in India. The company will channel more than ₹5,000 crore into developing and localizing next-generation battery technology over the next decade.
The initiative reflects Ashok Leyland’s broader commitment to supporting India’s transition toward a greener economy, in line with the government’s push for sustainable energy and mobility solutions.
Strategic Partnership with CALB Group
As part of this move, Ashok Leyland has signed an exclusive long-term agreement with CALB Group, a leading Chinese battery technology firm. The partnership was formalized by Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, and Jacky Liu, CEO of CALB (HK) Co., Ltd, in the presence of Shom Hinduja, President of Alternative Energy and Sustainability Initiatives at Hinduja Group.
Through this collaboration, Ashok Leyland aims to establish a robust domestic supply chain for batteries, reducing India’s dependence on fossil fuels and imported technology.
Building a Localized Battery Ecosystem
The new manufacturing facilities will supply batteries not only for Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility’s electric vehicles but also to the wider automotive sector and the growing energy storage market.
Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja emphasized that the investment marks a significant step toward accelerating electric vehicle adoption in India. “We are determined to play a leading role in advancing sustainable mobility in alignment with the nation’s vision. Our partnership with CALB will help create a self-reliant battery ecosystem,” he said.
Global Centre of Excellence for Innovation
In addition to manufacturing, Ashok Leyland will establish a Global Centre of Excellence dedicated to research and development. The facility will focus on advancing battery materials, recycling technologies, battery management systems, and innovative production processes.
CEO Shenu Agarwal noted that the initiative will first prioritize the automotive sector, before expanding into non-automotive applications, including renewable energy storage.
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