Ashok Leyland, the flagship of the Hinduja Group and India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has unveiled plans to invest over ₹5,000 crore in next-generation battery development and manufacturing over the next 7–10 years. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s electrification ecosystem across both automotive and non-automotive sectors, including energy storage solutions.
As part of this strategy, Ashok Leyland has entered into a long-term exclusive partnership with China-based CALB Group, a global leader in battery technology. The agreement, signed by Ashok Leyland MD & CEO Shenu Agarwal and CALB CEO Jacky Liu, in the presence of Shom Hinduja, President of Alternative Energy & Sustainability Initiatives, marks a significant step in building a localized battery supply chain in India.
The company plans to establish a Global Centre of Excellence to drive research and innovation in advanced battery materials, recycling, management systems, and manufacturing processes. In its initial phase, the new battery venture will focus on automotive applications before expanding into energy storage and other non-automotive areas.
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland, said the investment reaffirms the company’s alignment with the government’s sustainable mobility vision. “Our strategic partnership with CALB is a significant step towards creating a localized battery ecosystem that will accelerate EV adoption and reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” he noted.
This move is part of Ashok Leyland’s broader transition to greener technologies, complementing its investments in electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, leasing, and mobility-as-a-service. With this initiative, the company strengthens its position as a key player in shaping India’s sustainable transportation and clean energy future.
