Ashok Leyland, a flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has announced a landmark investment of ₹5,000 crore over the next 7 to 10 years to develop and manufacture batteries locally in India. This strategic move supports the company’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) portfolio and broader ambitions in energy storage sectors.
Exclusive Partnership with CALB to Localize Battery Supply Chain
- The company has entered a long-term exclusive partnership with CALB Group, a leading Chinese battery technology firm, to develop next-generation batteries for automotive and non-automotive use.
- This alliance aims to create a localized battery ecosystem by establishing advanced manufacturing facilities and a Global Centre of Excellence focused on innovation in battery materials, recycling, and battery management systems.
Driving Sustainable Commercial Vehicle Electrification
- Ashok Leyland, India’s second-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, is poised to deepen its EV technology penetration across trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles.
- Leveraging its robust network of approximately 54,000 touch points across 50 countries, the company plans to offer modular and scalable energy management solutions aligned with evolving market demands.
- The investment also bolsters Ashok Leyland’s eMobility-as-a-Service (eMaaS) and eMobility-as-a-Solution (eMSol) business models, facilitating greater EV adoption and cost optimization for customers.
New Cutting-Edge EV Facility Enhances Design and Manufacturing Capabilities
- Ashok Leyland recently inaugurated its state-of-the-art EV Centre in Ennore, dedicated to design, prototyping, testing, and solutions development for motors, batteries, and power electronics.
- This in-house startup-like facility empowers rapid development cycles and technology deployment to maintain a competitive edge in the electric commercial vehicle segment.
- The EV Centre supports various products including light commercial vehicles (eLCVs), low-floor buses, last-mile delivery solutions, and power electronics modules.
Forward-Looking Vision for India’s Green Transport Future
- Chairman Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja emphasized the strategic importance of evolving a localized green energy supply chain to reduce import dependence and promote self-reliance.
- MD & CEO Mr. Shenu Agarwal highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation, safety, and total cost of ownership optimization through electrification.
- The sustained focus on battery technology and electric mobility solutions positions Ashok Leyland as a pioneer shaping the commercial transport industry’s green transition across India and global markets.
Ashok Leyland’s visionary investments, advanced partnerships, and dedicated EV manufacturing infrastructure underscore its leadership role in India’s electric commercial vehicle revolution, promising cleaner, efficient, and future-ready mobility solutions.
