Ashok Leyland to invest in battery manufacturing in India

Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, announced plans to invest in the development and manufacturing of next-generation batteries for automotive and non-automotive applications, including energy storage systems.

Ashok Leyland has entered into a long-term partnership with CALB Group, a battery technology company based in China. The agreements were signed by Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, and Jacky Liu, CEO, CALB (HK) Co., Ltd, in the presence of Shom Hinduja, President, Alternative Energy and Sustainability Initiatives, Hinduja Group.

The company will invest in localising battery manufacturing in India. This will meet the requirements of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility’s electric vehicle portfolio and also supply other automotive companies and the energy storage sector. The investment is estimated at over ₹5,000 crore over the next 7–10 years.

Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland said, “Ashok Leyland is deeply committed to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in India in full alignment with Government’s vision. Our strategic partnership with CALB is a significant step towards creating a localised battery supply chain in India to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles in India and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, “In the initial phase, the new battery business shall focus on automotive sector, and then move to non-automotive areas as well, including energy storage systems. A Global Centre of Excellence will be created to serve as a hub for research and development, fostering innovation in battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing processes.”

The investment adds to the group’s activities in electric vehicles, mobility services, charging equipment, vehicle financing and leasing.

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