Ashok Leyland, the flagship company of the Hinduja Group and one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has officially broken ground for a new battery pack manufacturing facility at Pillaipakkam near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The greenfield project, involving an investment of ₹400–500 crore, marks a significant step in strengthening India’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and advancing the company’s electric mobility ambitions.
The foundation stone for the facility was unveiled by M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, during a ceremony attended by several senior government officials and industry leaders. Among those present were T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce, along with representatives from Guidance Tamil Nadu and the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu. Ashok Leyland’s leadership, including Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, and Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO, also attended the event.
The new facility is part of the broader investments announced by the Hinduja Group under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Tamil Nadu government in September 2025. The project is aligned with Tamil Nadu’s Electric Vehicle Policy 2023, as well as the Government of India’s National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage, which aims to accelerate EV adoption and support the country’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Strengthening India’s EV Supply Chain
The upcoming battery pack manufacturing plant is expected to play a key role in localising EV battery pack production in India. By producing battery packs domestically, Ashok Leyland aims to strengthen the country’s electric mobility supply chain and reduce reliance on imported components.
The facility will support the development of advanced battery pack technologies designed for electric commercial vehicles, ensuring higher levels of efficiency, reliability, and safety. In addition, the project is expected to create new employment opportunities and contribute to skill development in advanced manufacturing, further enhancing Tamil Nadu’s reputation as a major hub for next-generation automotive technology.
Industry observers note that localisation of battery pack manufacturing is crucial for scaling EV production in India, particularly in the commercial vehicle segment, where battery systems represent a significant portion of vehicle costs.
Strategic Step in Electric Mobility Journey
Ashok Leyland has been actively expanding its presence in the electric mobility space through its subsidiary Switch Mobility, which focuses on electric buses and commercial vehicles.
Speaking on the occasion, Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman of Ashok Leyland, highlighted the company’s long-standing relationship with Tamil Nadu and its commitment to sustainable mobility.
“Our journey has been closely intertwined with the growth of Tamil Nadu for more than seven decades. Ashok Leyland, along with its subsidiary Switch Mobility, has already developed a wide range of electric commercial vehicles and has established a leading position in the EV market. The groundbreaking of this new battery pack manufacturing facility marks an important step in our electric mobility journey and reinforces our commitment to building a strong domestic EV ecosystem,” Hinduja said.
The company believes that developing a local battery pack ecosystem will accelerate the adoption of electric buses, trucks, and light commercial vehicles, particularly as demand grows for cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions.
Advancing High-Technology Manufacturing
Ashok Leyland’s Managing Director and CEO, Shenu Agarwal, emphasised the importance of battery technology in shaping the future of mobility and energy systems.
“Battery pack technology is central to the future of electric mobility and energy storage. This facility will enable us to develop advanced battery pack solutions with greater efficiency, safety, and reliability while strengthening localisation of the battery supply chain. It will also contribute to developing specialised talent and creating new opportunities in high-technology manufacturing within Tamil Nadu,” Agarwal said.
The facility is expected to support research, development, and production of battery systems tailored for commercial vehicles, which often require robust performance under demanding operating conditions.
Ashok Leyland’s Long Presence in Tamil Nadu
Ashok Leyland has maintained a strong industrial presence in Tamil Nadu for more than 77 years. The company established its first manufacturing plant in Ennore in 1948, laying the foundation for its long-standing relationship with the state.
Since then, the company has significantly expanded its manufacturing footprint. Today, Ashok Leyland operates nine manufacturing facilities across Tamil Nadu, covering more than 800 acres of industrial land.
Over the decades, the company has invested more than ₹9,000 crore in the state, generating over 37,000 jobs and contributing significantly to Tamil Nadu’s growth as one of India’s leading automotive manufacturing hubs.
Supporting the Transition to Sustainable Mobility
The new battery pack facility represents another milestone in Ashok Leyland’s strategy to support the global transition toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation systems.
With increasing regulatory pressure and rising demand for low-emission vehicles, the commercial vehicle industry is rapidly shifting toward electrification. By investing in battery manufacturing infrastructure, Ashok Leyland aims to ensure that India remains competitive in the global EV market while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The company stated that the project reflects its broader vision of building a cleaner, smarter future of mobility, while continuing to play a key role in India’s automotive innovation landscape.
As construction progresses, the facility is expected to further strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a leading centre for electric vehicle manufacturing and advanced automotive technologies in the country.
