Ashok Leyland to Set Up EV Battery Pack Manufacturing Facility Near Chennai
Ashok Leyland is setting up a battery pack manufacturing facility near Chennai as part of its push to develop electric vehicle (EV) battery pack and Battery Management System (BMS) technologies domestically. The company plans to begin production of battery packs for automotive applications by the end of 2027.
According to managing director and CEO Shenu Agarwal, the company aims to localise more than 50 per cent, and potentially up to 60 per cent, of the battery pack in India, excluding battery cells. There is currently no fixed timeline for domestic battery cell manufacturing, though the company is evaluating plans in this area.
The battery packs produced at the facility will not be limited to Ashok Leyland's own electric trucks and buses; the company also plans to supply packs to other automobile manufacturers. It is additionally exploring applications in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to help generate volumes beyond automotive demand alone.
The company has prepared a technology roadmap identifying which EV technologies it will develop internally, which it will pursue with partners, and which components will continue to be sourced from suppliers, as it works to raise localisation levels in its electric commercial vehicle segment.