Ashok Leyland to Invest ₹5,000 Crore in Next-Generation Battery Manufacturing with CALB Partnership

Chennai, September 1, 2025 – Ashok Leyland, the flagship of the Hinduja Group and India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has announced a major strategic move into the development and manufacturing of next-generation batteries for both automotive and non-automotive applications, including energy storage systems.

The company revealed its long-term exclusive partnership with CALB Group, one of China’s foremost battery technology firms, to strengthen India’s battery ecosystem. The agreement was 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.

₹5,000 Crore Investment in India’s Electrification Future

Ashok Leyland will invest over ₹5,000 crore in battery localization in India over the next 7–10 years. This initiative aims to support not just Ashok Leyland’s and Switch Mobility’s electric vehicle portfolio, but also the wider automotive sector and energy storage market, catering to captive and non-captive demand alike.

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 the Government’s vision. Our strategic partnership with CALB is a significant step towards creating a localized battery supply chain to accelerate EV adoption and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.”

Global Centre of Excellence for Battery Innovation

In its initial phase, the new battery business will focus on the automotive sector, before expanding to energy storage systems and other non-automotive areas.

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, commented:
“A Global Centre of Excellence will be created as a hub for research and development, driving innovation in battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing processes.”

Strengthening the Hinduja Group’s Electrification Roadmap

This partnership builds on Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group’s ongoing investments in electric vehicles, electric mobility-as-a-service, charging equipment, vehicle financing, and leasing solutions. It marks another milestone in the company’s mission to establish a complete electrification ecosystem in India, aligned with the Government’s push towards a green and sustainable economy.