Ashok Leyland partners with Nidec for developing E-drive Motors for Commercial Vehicles

Partnership to develop e-drive motors for India's commercial vehicles, aiming to enhance local electric vehicle supply chains and promote sustainable transportation.

Chennai- Ashok Leyland Limited., of the Hinduja Group, signed a multipronged partnership agreement with Japan-based electric motor drives manufacturer Nidec Motor Corporation.,, a of Nidec Corporation. This will enable both Ashok Leyland and Nidec to develop novel e-drive motors and systems that will cater to the specific needs of India's commercial vehicle industry, supporting efficient electric mobility solutions. 

The agreement was signed by Mr. Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland and Mr. Michael Briggs, President, Nidec Motion & Energy in the presence of Dr. N. Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer, Ashok Leyland, Dr. Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, SVP Product Development, Ashok Leyland, Mr. Greg Gorman, Chief Growth Officer, Nidec Motion & Energy; Mr. Anthony Pickering, President Nidec Motion; Mr.  Glen Feng, President Nidec Traction business segment; and Mr. Girish D Kulkarni, MD, Nidec Motion & Energy India.

Ashok Leyland and Nidec are collaborating to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Electric Drive Units (EDUs) to develop advanced motor technologies, power electronics, and gear-shifting innovations for EVs. The partnership includes joint R&D, skill development, and lab infrastructure to enhance Ashok Leyland's and Switch Mobility's EV offerings.

Ashok Leyland will source motors from Nidec for its current electric vehicles while collaborating on R&D for future solutions. This partnership aims to innovate e-drives suited for India's diverse commercial vehicle needs and strengthen the local supply chain for next-generation electric vehicles.

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “Ashok Leyland is delighted to partner with Nidec, a global leader in electric motor technology. This collaboration allows us to co-develop innovative e-drive motors specifically designed for the unique demands of India’s commercial vehicle market, while significantly advancing our electric mobility capabilities. By combining our strengths, we aim to create cutting-edge solutions that will set new benchmarks and drive the future of sustainable commercial transportation in India.” 

Mr. Michael Briggs, President, Nidec Motion & Energy said, “Nidec is well positioned in India and is a perfect fit for accelerating India’s commercial EV adoption. Our investment strategy and motor technology are well complemented by Ashok Leyland, who understand the precise and specific demands of the commercial vehicle market. This partnership will ensure that customers receive the same Ashok Leyland product they trust but now with the technology they need for efficiency and a changing global energy landscape.”