Ashok Leyland begins construction of battery pack manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu

Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, announced the construction of a battery pack manufacturing facility at Pillaipakkam near Chennai. The project involves an investment of ₹400–500 crore and is part of the investments planned by the Hinduja Group under a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2025. The project is aligned with the Tamil Nadu Electric Vehicle Policy 2023, the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage, and India’s net-zero emissions target for 2070.

M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, unveiled the foundation plaque. T. R. B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce in the Government of Tamil Nadu, attended the event along with representatives from Guidance Tamil Nadu and State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ashok Leyland, and other representatives of the company were also present.

The facility is expected to support local production of EV battery packs and contribute to the electric mobility supply chain in India. The project is also expected to generate employment and support skill development activities in Tamil Nadu.

Mr Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “Our journey has been closely intertwined with the growth of Tamil Nadu for more than seven decades. Ashok Leyland, along with its subsidiary, Switch Mobility, have already developed a vast range of electric Commercial Vehicles, and have taken a lead position in the EV market. The groundbreaking of the new battery pack manufacturing facility marks an important step in our electric mobility journey and reinforces our commitment to building a strong domestic EV ecosystem.”

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, “Battery pack technology is central to the future of electric mobility and energy storage. This facility will enable us to build advanced battery pack solutions with greater efficiency, safety and reliability while supporting the battery supply chain localisation It will also contribute to developing specialized talent and creating new opportunities in high-technology manufacturing within Tamil Nadu.”

Ashok Leyland began operations in Tamil Nadu with a manufacturing facility in Ennore in 1948. The company currently operates nine facilities in the state, spanning over 800 acres. Over time, the company has reported investments of more than ₹9,000 crore in Tamil Nadu and employment generation of over 37,000 jobs.

The company stated that the project forms part of its activities related to electric mobility and transportation.

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