Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has announced a major push into advanced battery technology. The company revealed plans to invest in the development and manufacturing of next-generation batteries for both automotive and non-automotive uses, including energy storage systems.
Partnership with CALB Group
To drive this initiative, Ashok Leyland has entered into a long-term partnership with CALB Group, a leading battery technology company from China. The agreement was signed by Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, and Jacky Liu, CEO of CALB (HK) Co. Ltd, in the presence of Shom Hinduja, President of Alternative Energy and Sustainability Initiatives at Hinduja Group.
Localising Battery Manufacturing in India
The company confirmed that the investment will focus on localising battery production in India. This will not only support the requirements of Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility’s electric vehicle portfolio but also serve other automotive players and the energy storage industry. Over the next 7–10 years, the investment is expected to cross ₹5,000 crore.
Building a Local Battery Supply Chain
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland, said the move aligns with India’s sustainable mobility goals. “Our strategic partnership with CALB is a significant step toward creating a localised battery supply chain in India. This will accelerate EV adoption and help reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” he said.
Focus on R&D and Innovation
Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, added that the new battery business will initially focus on the automotive sector before expanding into non-automotive applications such as energy storage systems. A Global Centre of Excellence will also be set up to spearhead research and development in areas like battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing processes.
Strengthening the Group’s EV Ecosystem
This investment builds on the Hinduja Group’s broader activities in the electric mobility space, which include electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, mobility services, vehicle financing, and leasing. By strengthening its capabilities in energy storage and battery technology, Ashok Leyland aims to play a larger role in India’s clean mobility transformation.
