Ashok Leyland Invests in Next-Generation Batteries for Electrification and Green Economy

Strategic Insights -

Ashok Leyland, a flagship of the Hinduja Group and India's leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has announced a major investment in the development and production of next-generation batteries. These batteries will serve both automotive and non-automotive applications, including energy storage systems. The company has entered into a long-term exclusive partnership with CALB Group, a global leader in advanced battery technologies, based in China. The partnership aims to localize battery manufacturing in India, catering to the demand across the broader automotive and energy storage sectors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ashok Leyland plans to invest over 5,000 crore in the development and production of next-generation batteries over the next 7-10 years.
  • The partnership with CALB Group will focus on the automotive sector initially, before expanding into non-automotive applications such as energy storage systems.
  • The collaboration will strengthen Ashok Leyland's commitment to electrification and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, in line with the Indian government's vision.
  • Ashok Leyland will establish a Global Centre of Excellence to drive innovation in battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing processes.
  • The company aims to localize battery manufacturing in India, catering to its own electric vehicle portfolio and addressing demand across the broader automotive and energy storage sectors.
  • The partnership further reinforces Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions, following their investments in electric vehicles, mobility-as-a-service, charging infrastructure, vehicle financing, and leasing.
  • Ashok Leyland, part of the Hinduja Group, is India's second-largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles, the world's fourth-largest manufacturer of buses, and the 13th-largest manufacturer of trucks.

Statistics:

  • Ashok Leyland's investment in the development and production of next-generation batteries: over 5,000 crore over the next 7-10 years.
  • Initial focus will be on the automotive sector, with plans to expand into non-automotive applications such as energy storage systems.
  • Ashok Leyland has already invested in electric vehicles, mobility-as-a-service, charging infrastructure, vehicle financing, and leasing, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable transportation solutions.
  • Ashok Leyland's global presence spans 50 countries, with a vast network of nearly 54,000 touchpoints and a product portfolio including trucks and buses.

Sources:

  • Reuters (2025)
  • Global Data Point (2025)
  • SyndiGate Media Inc. (2025)