Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group, has officially launched a long-term strategic partnership with China’s CALB Group Co. to strengthen its electric mobility ecosystem. The collaboration, spanning 20 years, aims to accelerate battery pack assembly and lithium-ion cell technology development in India, marking a significant step in the nation’s clean mobility transition.
Under the agreement, Ashok Leyland will initially import lithium-ion cells from CALB for integration into its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio. Over the coming years, the company intends to gradually localize production, setting up advanced facilities for battery design, assembly, and cell manufacturing within India.
The project involves an investment of over ₹5,000 crore (₹50 billion) over the next 7 to 10 years, focusing on both vehicle electrification and grid-scale energy storage solutions. The batteries developed will first power Ashok Leyland’s own range of electric buses and trucks, before being supplied to two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and passenger vehicle manufacturers, as well as renewable energy storage projects.
To support this ambitious plan, Ashok Leyland will also establish a dedicated R&D hub in India, focusing on battery innovation, materials science, software integration, and thermal management. CALB will contribute its technical expertise to accelerate the development process.
Industry experts highlight that while India is prioritising self-reliance in green technologies, collaborations with global leaders like CALB offer a phased, learning-based approach to building sustainable domestic manufacturing capabilities.
This move positions Ashok Leyland as a key player in India’s evolving EV ecosystem, while also boosting the government’s push for renewable energy adoption, localisation, and green mobility solutions.
Click Here to get the latest EV news and exclusive updates from EV Mechanica on WhatsApp!