Ashok Leyland, India’s second-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer and flagship of the Hinduja Group, has announced a long-term exclusive partnership with China’s CALB Group, the world’s third-largest battery maker. The ₹5,000 crore collaboration is designed to localize advanced lithium-ion battery technology and strengthen India’s domestic EV supply chain.
Strategic Investment & Vision
The partnership reflects Ashok Leyland’s commitment to becoming a core player in India’s electrification efforts. Key highlights include:
- ₹5,000 crore investment over 7–10 years for R&D centers and battery manufacturing
- Phased expansion, initially supplying Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility’s EV fleet, later serving broader automotive and energy storage markets
- Focus on sustainable, localized battery production, reducing dependence on imports
Phased Approach to Technology Mastery
The 20-year roadmap emphasizes process excellence over rapid scale-up:
- Phase 1 – Import & Learn: CALB supplies lithium-ion cells; Ashok Leyland assembles battery packs domestically, gaining expertise in thermal management, software integration, and packaging
- Phase 2 – R&D Hubs: Establishment of a Global Centre of Excellence to innovate in battery materials, recycling, BMS, and advanced manufacturing
- Long-Term Goal: Full domestic lithium-ion cell production within five years or more
Industry Impact & National Significance
- Bridges the technology gap in India’s EV battery sector, addressing the “black box” challenge in lithium-ion technology
- Accelerates EV adoption across commercial and passenger segments
- Supports India’s goal of a sustainable and green economy, positioning the country as a global EV and energy storage hub
Ashok Leyland’s strategic partnership with CALB underscores the company’s long-term vision for electrification, signaling a transformative shift in India’s EV ecosystem.
