This investment will focus on both automotive and non-automotive applications, including energy storage systems, signalling its objective to establish a localized and resilient battery ecosystem in India.
Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja group, has entered into a long-term exclusive partnership with CALB Group, one of the foremost battery technology companies in China, in the backdrop of improving bilateral relations, the company said in a statement.
The partnership agreement was formally signed by Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, and Jacky Liu, CEO of CALB (HK) Co., Ltd, in the presence of Shom Hinduja, President of Alternative Energy and Sustainability Initiatives at the Hinduja Group.
“Our strategic partnership with CALB is a significant step towards creating a localised battery supply chain in India to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” said Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland.
The initial phase of the investment will focus on automotive applications—supporting both Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility’s electric vehicle portfolios. Over time, the initiative will expand to serve non-captive demand across the broader automotive sector and in energy storage solutions.
“A Global Centre of Excellence will be created to serve as a hub for research and development, fostering innovation in battery materials, recycling, battery management systems, and advanced manufacturing processes,” said Shenu Agarwal.
This development is the latest in a series of electrification initiatives by Ashok Leyland and the Hinduja Group, spanning Electric Vehicles, Mobility-as-a-Service, Charging Infrastructure, Vehicle Financing, and Leasing—further reinforcing the group’s commitment to transforming India’s mobility landscape.
Ashok Leyland’s EV arm, Switch India, achieved PBT breakeven in Q1 FY26, and the company is targeting to become PAT-positive in FY26. The current order book for Switch India stands at over 1,500 buses.
Its subsidiary, Ohm Global Mobility Pvt Ltd, which provides e-Mobility-as-a-Service (eMaaS) and operates electric buses and trucks on a pay-per-use model, is currently operating over 850 buses. During Q1 FY26, the company added more than 200 buses to its operating fleet and is on track to expand to over 2,500 buses within the next 12 months.
All gross cost contract projects under execution are delivering healthy double-digit IRRs. Ohm is also actively working on the PM E-drive tender to further strengthen its growing fleet.