Ashok Leyland, the flagship of the Hinduja Group and one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, today 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, reinforcing the company’s vision to help build India’s electrification and green economy ecosystem.
As part of this initiative, Ashok Leyland has entered into a long-term exclusive partnership with CALB Group, a global leader in advanced battery technologies based in China. The agreements were signed by Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland and Jacky Liu, CEO, CALB (HK) Co, Ltd, in the presence of Shom Hinduja, President, Alternative Energy and Sustainability Initiatives, Hinduja Group.
The company plans to localize battery manufacturing in India, catering not only to Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility’s own electric vehicle portfolio but also addressing demand across the broader automotive and energy storage sectors. The project will involve an investment of over ₹5,000 crore over the next 7–10 years.
Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland, stated “Ashok Leyland is deeply committed to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in full alignment with the Government’s vision. Our partnership with CALB is a significant step toward building a localized battery supply chain in India, accelerating EV adoption, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.”
Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland, added “In the initial phase, our focus will be on the automotive sector, before expanding into non-automotive applications such as energy storage systems. We will also establish a Global Centre of Excellence to drive innovation in battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing processes.”
This collaboration further strengthens Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group’s commitment to electrification. The Group 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, 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. Established in 1948, the company has grown into a US $5.52 billion enterprise with operations spanning 50 countries and a vast network of nearly 54,000 touchpoints. Its product portfolio includes trucks ranging from 2T to 55T GTW and buses with 9- to 80-seat configurations.
The company has taken decisive steps toward greener mobility with a wide range of electric, CNG, LNG, and hydrogen vehicles. Guided by a philosophy of sustainable and socially responsible growth, Ashok Leyland continues to innovate in line with its brand promise: “No Dream Too Far.”
CALB is a global leader in new energy technologies, specializing in advanced battery solutions and large-scale intelligent manufacturing. With multiple industrial bases across China, Europe, and ASEAN, CALB provides comprehensive solutions for power and energy storage applications. The company’s vision focuses on innovation, energy security, and sustainable development through global partnerships.
