Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has announced its plans to invest in the development and manufacturing of next-generation batteries. These batteries will cater to both automotive and non-automotive applications, including energy storage systems.
This move strengthens Ashok Leyland’s ambition to become a key player in India’s electrification ecosystem. It is also fully aligned with the Government’s vision of creating a sustainable and green economy.
In a major step, Ashok Leyland has entered into a long-term exclusive partnership with CALB Group, a leading global battery technology company from China. The agreements were signed by Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO, Ashok Leyland, and Jacky Liu, CEO, CALB (HK) Co., Ltd. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Shom Hinduja, President of Alternative Energy and Sustainability Initiatives, Hinduja Group.
Focus on Battery Localization in India
Ashok Leyland will invest in localizing battery production in India. This will not only support its EV arm, Switch Mobility, but also serve the wider automotive industry and the energy storage sector. The company plans to invest over ₹5,000 crore in this new business over the next 7–10 years.
Commenting on the announcement, Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland, said:
“Ashok Leyland is deeply committed to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in India in full alignment with the Government’s vision. Our strategic partnership with CALB is a significant step towards creating a localized battery supply chain in India. This will accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.”
Phased Expansion into New Sectors
According to Shenu Agarwal, MD and CEO of Ashok Leyland:
“In the initial phase, the new battery business will focus on the automotive sector. Later, it will expand into non-automotive applications, including energy storage systems. A Global Centre of Excellence will also be created as an R&D hub. It will foster innovation in areas such as battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing processes.”
Strengthening the Electrification Ecosystem
This partnership represents yet another milestone in Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group’s commitment to electrification. The group has already invested across:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Electric Mobility-as-a-Service (eMaaS)
- Charging equipment
- Vehicle financing and leasing
- Other sustainability-focused initiatives
By entering the battery ecosystem, Ashok Leyland is taking a decisive step to build a strong, localized supply chain that supports India’s green transition.