Ashok Leyland Powers India’s Green Future with ₹5,000 Crore Battery Ecosystem Investment – EQ
In Short : Ashok Leyland will invest ₹5,000 crore over the next decade to strengthen India’s battery ecosystem. The company aims to localize production of advanced batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Partnering with China’s CALB Group and setting up a Global Centre of Excellence, Ashok Leyland targets sustainable, self-reliant energy solutions while reducing import dependence.
In Detail : Ashok Leyland, one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has announced a significant investment of ₹5,000 crore to build and strengthen the country’s battery ecosystem. This investment will be spread over the next seven to ten years and will focus on the development and manufacturing of advanced batteries. The move is part of the company’s broader sustainability and electrification roadmap, designed to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen India’s energy security.
The company has highlighted that this large-scale investment is not just about serving its own electric vehicle needs but also about supporting the broader ecosystem. The plan includes developing batteries for both automotive and non-automotive applications, particularly energy storage systems that are critical for renewable energy integration. This dual focus underlines Ashok Leyland’s vision of contributing to the wider energy transition in India.
To accelerate progress, Ashok Leyland has entered into a strategic partnership with CALB Group, one of China’s leading global battery manufacturers. This collaboration is expected to provide technological expertise, efficient manufacturing practices, and rapid deployment of localized battery solutions. By leveraging CALB’s global experience and combining it with Indian production capabilities, the partnership aims to deliver advanced, affordable, and reliable battery solutions.
The investment also includes the establishment of a Global Centre of Excellence, which will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and skill development in battery technology. This facility will focus on designing next-generation batteries, optimizing performance, and advancing safety standards. It will also provide training opportunities for engineers and technicians, ensuring India builds a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the electric mobility sector.
Ashok Leyland’s leadership has emphasized that battery technology will play a central role in achieving India’s net-zero ambitions. With the government strongly promoting electric mobility and renewable energy adoption, the creation of a localized battery ecosystem becomes crucial. The company believes this initiative will not only strengthen its own EV portfolio but also benefit the wider automotive industry.
Another critical aspect of the plan is to ensure affordability and accessibility of advanced battery solutions in the domestic market. By localizing manufacturing, Ashok Leyland hopes to reduce costs, improve supply chain resilience, and make India self-reliant in this strategically important sector. This move could significantly reduce the reliance on imported batteries, which are currently a major cost driver for electric vehicles.
The company has also indicated that the battery ecosystem will serve multiple purposes beyond mobility. With rising demand for renewable energy integration, there is a growing need for energy storage systems that can stabilize grids and support continuous power supply. Ashok Leyland’s investment will address this demand, making renewable power generation more dependable and expanding the scope of energy transition.
Industry experts believe this investment will position Ashok Leyland as a leader in the clean energy space, beyond its traditional role in the commercial vehicle market. The company’s proactive approach demonstrates its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth. If executed effectively, this project could set a benchmark for how Indian companies can build critical infrastructure for the green economy.
Overall, Ashok Leyland’s ₹5,000 crore investment marks a decisive step toward reshaping India’s battery ecosystem. By combining global expertise with local execution, the company is laying the foundation for a sustainable and self-reliant future. This initiative has the potential to create jobs, boost innovation, and accelerate India’s shift toward clean mobility and renewable energy, aligning with the nation’s broader climate goals.
