Ashok Leyland Partners with China’s CALB to Build EV Battery Skills

30 Sep 2025 CW Team

Initially, Ashok Leyland will import cells from CALB while learning to assemble them into battery packs. The company plans to progressively gain the capability to design and manufacture lithium-ion batteries domestically, according to CEO Shenu Agarwal.

The collaboration, if successful, could serve as a model for other Indian conglomerates, such as Reliance Industries Ltd. and the JSW Group, which are pursuing similar partnerships with Chinese battery firms. India aims to leverage Chinese expertise to accelerate green energy adoption while maintaining strategic self-reliance.

Agarwal said, “We are not really an EV player if 70 per cent of the components come from outside,” signalling plans to partner with additional firms to master the battery value chain. As part of the CALB tie-up, Ashok Leyland intends to invest more than Rs 50 billion ($563 million) over seven to ten years to produce next-generation batteries for vehicles and energy storage systems.

Initially, CALB will supply cells while Ashok Leyland focuses on developing pack-assembly expertise, including thermal management and software integration, under CALB guidance. The company is taking a cautious, phased approach, noting that process efficiency is as critical as technology in battery production.

Ashok Leyland aims to supply battery packs for its own vehicles first, then expand to other automakers, including two- and three-wheelers, as well as grid-scale storage, within two to three years. The company also plans an India-based research and development hub for battery innovation, packaging, and materials science, with CALB providing supportive guidance.

The long-term goal is to fully design and develop lithium-ion cells in India, a milestone expected to take at least five years. Agarwal emphasised that the phased learning strategy will position Ashok Leyland ahead of rivals that rushed into cell manufacturing.

India is projected to become the world’s third-largest battery market, with demand expected to grow 19-fold by 2035, according to BloombergNEF.

Ashok Leyland Ltd., the flagship firm of the billionaire Hinduja family, is collaborating with China’s third-largest battery maker, CALB Group Co., to gradually master lithium-ion cell technology. The Chennai-based truck and bus manufacturer signed a 20-year agreement with CALB earlier this month.Initially, Ashok Leyland will import cells from CALB while learning to assemble them into battery packs. The company plans to progressively gain the capability to design and manufacture lithium-ion batteries domestically, according to CEO Shenu Agarwal.The collaboration, if successful, could serve as a model for other Indian conglomerates, such as Reliance Industries Ltd. and the JSW Group, which are pursuing similar partnerships with Chinese battery firms. India aims to leverage Chinese expertise to accelerate green energy adoption while maintaining strategic self-reliance.Agarwal said, “We are not really an EV player if 70 per cent of the components come from outside,” signalling plans to partner with additional firms to master the battery value chain. As part of the CALB tie-up, Ashok Leyland intends to invest more than Rs 50 billion ($563 million) over seven to ten years to produce next-generation batteries for vehicles and energy storage systems.Initially, CALB will supply cells while Ashok Leyland focuses on developing pack-assembly expertise, including thermal management and software integration, under CALB guidance. The company is taking a cautious, phased approach, noting that process efficiency is as critical as technology in battery production.Ashok Leyland aims to supply battery packs for its own vehicles first, then expand to other automakers, including two- and three-wheelers, as well as grid-scale storage, within two to three years. The company also plans an India-based research and development hub for battery innovation, packaging, and materials science, with CALB providing supportive guidance.The long-term goal is to fully design and develop lithium-ion cells in India, a milestone expected to take at least five years. Agarwal emphasised that the phased learning strategy will position Ashok Leyland ahead of rivals that rushed into cell manufacturing.India is projected to become the world’s third-largest battery market, with demand expected to grow 19-fold by 2035, according to BloombergNEF.

Infrastructure Transport

17 Oct 2025

Sonowal Unveils Eight Projects at NMPA’s Golden Jubilee

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) at Bharat Mandapam. To commemorate the milestone, he unveiled eight major maritime infrastructure projects designed to strengthen India’s port network, enhance logistics performance, and promote sustainability. These include a modern cruise terminal, new covered storage facilities, a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital, expanded truck terminals, and improved port access infrastructure aimed at enhancing..

Infrastructure Energy

17 Oct 2025

India To Boost US LPG Imports, Cut Middle East Reliance

India is planning to reduce imports of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from the Middle East as state-owned refiners prepare to ramp up purchases from the United States, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move aligns with New Delhi’s efforts to expand energy cooperation and secure a broader trade deal with Washington. State refiners have already notified their traditional LPG suppliers in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar of the potential reduction in imports. Although the exact size of the supply cut was not disclosed, earlier reports suggested that Indi..

Infrastructure Energy

17 Oct 2025

UK Sanctions Nayara Energy in Crackdown on Russian Oil

The United Kingdom has announced fresh sanctions on 90 entities, including Indian refiner Nayara Energy Limited, in its latest bid to curb Russian oil revenues and weaken President Vladimir Putin’s war funding. The sanctions, unveiled jointly by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK Treasury, aim to disrupt networks supporting Moscow’s crude exports amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to the FCDO, the new restrictions are intended to “strike at the heart of Putin’s war funding” by targeting firms and assets that enable Russia’s energy trade. “..