Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group and one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has announced a major push into the battery ecosystem with plans to invest over ₹5,000 crore in the next 7–10 years. The initiative will focus on the development and manufacturing of next-generation batteries for both automotive and non-automotive applications, including energy storage systems, aligning with the government’s vision of a sustainable and green economy.
As part of this strategy, Ashok Leyland has entered into an exclusive long-term partnership with China-based CALB Group, a global leader in battery technology. The agreement was signed by Shenu Agarwal, MD & 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 investment will drive battery localization in India, catering not only to Ashok Leyland and its EV arm Switch Mobility’s requirements but also addressing demand from the wider automotive and energy storage sectors.
Commenting on the development, Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, 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 localised battery supply chain in India, accelerating EV adoption, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.”
In the initial phase, the focus will be on automotive batteries, gradually expanding into non-automotive segments such as large-scale energy storage systems. A Global Centre of Excellence will also be established, dedicated to R&D in battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing processes.
This move further cements Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group’s commitment to electrification, complementing their existing investments in electric vehicles, e-mobility services, charging infrastructure, vehicle financing, and leasing solutions.
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