Ashok Leyland Partners with CALB for Battery Production

Business |Investment

Ashok Leyland to localize next-gen battery manufacturing in India with CALB Group, investing ₹5,000 crore over 7–10 years.

545 views | Date: September 1, 2025

Ashok Leyland Partners with CALB for Battery Production

Chennai- Ashok Leyland Limited., of the Hinduja Group, a commercial vehicle manufacturer, has announced a major investment in the development and manufacturing of next-generation batteries for both automotive and non-automotive applications, including energy storage systems. This initiative aligns with the Government’s vision of building a sustainable and green economy and reinforces the company’s ambition to play a leading role in India’s electrification ecosystem.

Strengthening bilateral ties, Ashok Leyland has entered into a long-term, exclusive partnership with CALB Group, an advanced battery technology.

The agreements were signed by Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, and Mr. Jacky Liu, CEO, CALB (HK) Co., Ltd., in the presence of Mr. Shom Hinduja, President, Alternative Energy and Sustainability Initiatives, Hinduja Group.

As part of this partnership, Ashok Leyland will localize battery manufacturing in India, serving not only its own electric vehicle portfolio under Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility but also addressing the wider automotive and energy storage sectors. The business will involve an investment of over ₹5,000 crore over the next 7–10 years.

Mr. Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland said, “Ashok Leyland is deeply committed to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in India in full alignment with Government’s vision. Our strategic partnership with CALB is a significant step towards creating a localised battery supply chain in India to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles in India and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.”

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, “In the initial phase, the new battery business shall focus on automotive sector, and then move to non-automotive areas as well, including energy storage systems. A Global Centre of Excellence will be created to serve as a hub for research and development, fostering innovation in battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing processes.”

This partnership marks yet another milestone for Ashok Leyland and Hinduja Group’s ongoing commitment towards electrification, with investments across Electric Vehicles, Electric Mobility-as-a-Service, Charging Equipment, Vehicle Financing and Leasing, and other areas.