Ashok Leyland To Invest Rs 5,000 Cr In Next-Gen Battery Business, Joins CALB

Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and a leading commercial vehicle maker, has announced plans to invest in developing and manufacturing next-generation batteries for both automotive and non-automotive uses, including energy storage systems.

As part of this plan, Ashok Leyland has signed a long-term exclusive partnership with China-based CALB Group, one of the world’s leading battery technology firms. The agreements were signed by Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, and Jacky Liu, CEO, CALB (HK) Co. Ltd., in the presence of Shom Hinduja, President of Alternative Energy and Sustainability Initiatives, Hinduja Group.

The company will localize battery production in India to meet the needs of its own EV portfolio through Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility, as well as supply to the wider automotive sector and the energy storage market. The new business will see investments of over Rs.  5,000 crore in the next 7–10 years.

Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja said the partnership is a big step towards creating a local battery supply chain that can accelerate EV adoption and reduce fossil fuel dependence. Shenu Agarwal added that the initial focus will be on the automotive sector before expanding to energy storage. A Global Centre of Excellence will also be set up for R&D in areas like battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing.