Ashok Leyland Partners with CALB to Build India’s Advanced Battery Manufacturing and EV Ecosystem – EQ
In Short : Ashok Leyland, part of the Hinduja Group, has launched a partnership with China’s CALB Group to develop battery manufacturing in India. The 20-year exclusive agreement involves an investment of about ₹5,000 crore over 7–10 years. The collaboration will begin with battery pack assembly, progressing toward lithium-ion cell design, R&D facilities, and applications in both mobility and energy storage sectors.
in Detail : Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has taken a significant step in its clean mobility journey by partnering with China’s CALB Group for battery manufacturing. This 20-year exclusive agreement marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to build a strong domestic ecosystem for advanced battery technologies and sustainable transport solutions.
The collaboration is set to attract investments of nearly ₹5,000 crore over a period of seven to ten years. Initially, the partnership will focus on setting up facilities to assemble battery packs locally, helping to reduce import dependence and strengthen supply chains for electric mobility in India.
As the project progresses, Ashok Leyland and CALB plan to expand beyond assembly into the complete design and manufacturing of lithium-ion cells within India. This move is expected to boost indigenous capabilities, enhance technology transfer, and create a robust base for high-value manufacturing in the country.
A dedicated research and development hub is also part of the roadmap under this partnership. By establishing R&D infrastructure, both companies aim to accelerate innovation in energy storage, improve efficiency, and develop advanced chemistries tailored to India’s climate and operating conditions.
The partnership is not limited to the automotive sector. It also envisions battery solutions for broader energy storage applications, including grid support and renewable integration. This diversification is expected to strengthen India’s energy transition and contribute to national clean energy goals.
Ashok Leyland sees this initiative as critical to its long-term strategy of leading in the commercial electric vehicle segment. With demand for zero-emission transport rising, the company is positioning itself as a key player in the electric mobility revolution sweeping across India and beyond.
For CALB, the collaboration represents an opportunity to tap into one of the fastest-growing EV markets in the world. By partnering with Ashok Leyland, it gains access to India’s automotive ecosystem and can leverage its expertise to expand its global footprint.
The partnership aligns closely with the Indian government’s push for self-reliance in advanced technologies under the “Make in India” program. It also supports the country’s broader vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 through investments in green mobility and sustainable energy solutions.
