Ashok Leyland has announced one of its biggest steps towards clean mobility — a massive investment of over $571 million (₹50,000 crore) to set up EV battery production in India. This move is expected to reshape the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the country, reducing reliance on imports and making green mobility more affordable.
A Long-Term Vision for EV Batteries
The investment will be spread over the next seven to ten years, showing the company’s long-term commitment to India’s EV ecosystem. Ashok Leyland plans to produce batteries not just for its own electric division, Switch Mobility, but also for other automakers in India.
Additionally, these batteries will be developed for energy storage solutions, another fast-growing sector. This diversification highlights the company’s ambition to play a central role in India’s clean energy future.
Partnering with Global Battery Giant CALB
To ensure success, Ashok Leyland has partnered with CALB, one of the world’s leading EV battery makers from China. CALB brings global expertise in supplying batteries for cars, buses, and energy storage. By combining CALB’s advanced technology with Ashok Leyland’s strong presence in India, the collaboration aims to create a strong, competitive edge in the market.
Why Domestic Battery Production Matters
Currently, most Indian EV makers import their battery cells from China and South Korea. This dependency makes costs high and supply chains vulnerable. Since a battery accounts for up to 40% of an EV’s total price, localizing production is crucial to bringing down costs and making EVs more accessible to Indian consumers.
Other Indian players like Tata Motors, Ola Electric, Exide, and Amara Raja are also investing heavily in battery production. With Ashok Leyland joining the race, the competition to localize EV batteries is heating up.
Benefits Beyond Mobility
Ashok Leyland’s investment will not only make EVs more affordable but also:
Generate new jobs in the manufacturing sector
Boost innovation in battery and energy storage technology
Reduce India’s dependence on imports
Support the country’s clean energy and sustainability goals
Ashok Leyland’s $571 million push into battery manufacturing is a game-changing step for India’s electric future. By securing a domestic supply of batteries, the company is paving the way for cheaper, more reliable EVs and contributing to India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in clean technology.
This bold move places Ashok Leyland among the top leaders driving India’s EV transformation, proving once again that the battery is the heart of every electric vehicle—and controlling its production is key to powering the future.