Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja Group’s flagship commercial vehicle maker, announced plans to invest over Rs 5,000 crore in the development of next-generation battery technologies over the next seven to 10 years.

The initiative will serve both automotive and non-automotive sectors, including energy storage systems. The move will support the company and its EV arm, Switch Mobility, while also catering to wider industry demand. The company has entered into an exclusive long-term partnership with China-based CALB Group, a leading battery technology provider, to strengthen its battery supply chain.

Ashok Leyland Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja stated, quote "Our strategic partnership with CALB is a significant step towards creating a localised battery supply chain in India to accelerate EV adoption and reduce fossil fuel dependence." Managing Director and CEO Shenu Agarwal said the new business will initially focus on the automotive sector, later expanding into energy storage systems. A Global Centre of Excellence will also be established to drive innovation in materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing.