Ashok Leyland announced plans to invest ₹5,000 crore over the next decade. The investment will develop next-generation batteries for both automotive and non-automotive applications, including energy storage systems. The investment will power Ashok Leyland’s and its subsidiary Switch Mobility’s electric vehicle lineup. It will also cater to the broader automotive industry and the energy storage sector, the company said in a statement. It will implement the ambitious ₹5,000 crore plan over the next 7–10 years.
Exclusive Partnership with CALB Group
To drive the initiative, the company has entered into a long-term exclusive partnership with CALB Group, a leading battery technology company from China. “Ashok Leyland is deeply committed to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in India in full alignment with the government’s vision,” said Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland. “Our strategic partnership with CALB is a significant step towards creating a localised battery supply chain in India, accelerating electric vehicle adoption and reducing dependence on fossil fuels,” Hinduja added.
Automotive to Energy Storage
In the initial phase, the battery business will focus on the automotive sector, said Shenu Agarwal, MD and CEO of Ashok Leyland. Subsequently, it will expand to non-automotive applications, including energy storage systems. As part of the strategy, Ashok Leyland will establish a Global Centre of Excellence to serve as a research and development hub. This facility will focus on:
*Battery materials innovation
*Recycling and sustainability
*Battery management systems
*Advanced manufacturing processes
As reported by msn.com, the initiative underscores Ashok Leyland’s vision to lead India’s EV transition. It also aims to strengthen domestic capabilities and build a robust battery ecosystem for the future.
