Ashok Leyland to Invest Rs 50 Billion in Battery Ecosystem

02 Sep 2025 CW Team

CALB Group specialises in lithium battery technology, including battery materials, management systems, and integrated energy products. The collaboration will focus on localising battery production in India to reduce import reliance and accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption.

The initial investment will prioritise supporting Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility’s growing EV portfolios. However, the strategy also includes catering to broader industry demand—extending beyond captive use to serve other automotive players and the wider energy storage sector.

“Ashok Leyland is deeply committed to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in alignment with the government’s vision,” said Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland. “Our partnership with CALB marks a major step in developing a local battery supply chain to cut fossil fuel dependency.”

Managing Director and CEO Shenu Agarwal stated that while the new venture will initially target automotive needs, it will gradually expand into the energy storage domain. The company also plans to establish a Global Centre of Excellence to lead research and development in battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

This battery investment complements the Hinduja Group’s broader clean mobility strategy, which includes electric vehicles, e-mobility-as-a-service, charging infrastructure, and financing solutions.

Ashok Leyland is currently India’s second-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer and ranks as the world’s fourth-largest bus maker. The firm is actively diversifying into electric, CNG, LNG, and hydrogen-powered vehicles as part of its long-term sustainability agenda.

Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group and a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, has announced plans to invest over Rs 50 billion in the battery ecosystem over the next 7 to 10 years. The initiative is part of a long-term exclusive partnership with China’s CALB Group, and aims to support both automotive and non-automotive battery applications, including energy storage systems.CALB Group specialises in lithium battery technology, including battery materials, management systems, and integrated energy products. The collaboration will focus on localising battery production in India to reduce import reliance and accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption.The initial investment will prioritise supporting Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility’s growing EV portfolios. However, the strategy also includes catering to broader industry demand—extending beyond captive use to serve other automotive players and the wider energy storage sector.“Ashok Leyland is deeply committed to shaping the future of sustainable mobility in alignment with the government’s vision,” said Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman of Ashok Leyland. “Our partnership with CALB marks a major step in developing a local battery supply chain to cut fossil fuel dependency.”Managing Director and CEO Shenu Agarwal stated that while the new venture will initially target automotive needs, it will gradually expand into the energy storage domain. The company also plans to establish a Global Centre of Excellence to lead research and development in battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies.This battery investment complements the Hinduja Group’s broader clean mobility strategy, which includes electric vehicles, e-mobility-as-a-service, charging infrastructure, and financing solutions.Ashok Leyland is currently India’s second-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer and ranks as the world’s fourth-largest bus maker. The firm is actively diversifying into electric, CNG, LNG, and hydrogen-powered vehicles as part of its long-term sustainability agenda.

Resources

03 Jun 2026

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

Real Estate

03 Jun 2026

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Infrastructure Transport

03 Jun 2026

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..