Ashok Leyland, the flagship commercial vehicle company of the Hinduja Group, has broken ground for a greenfield battery pack manufacturing facility at Pillaipakkam near Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
The project will involve an investment of ₹400–500 crore and forms part of the broader investment commitments made by the Hinduja Group under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the Tamil Nadu government in September 2025.
The upcoming facility marks a significant step in strengthening India’s electric mobility ecosystem by localising EV battery pack manufacturing and enhancing domestic supply chains.
Strengthening India’s EV Ecosystem
The battery pack manufacturing project aligns with key national and state initiatives, including the Tamil Nadu Electric Vehicle Policy 2023, the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage, and India’s broader goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Once operational, the facility will support the growing demand for electric vehicle components while contributing to job creation, advanced skill development, and high-technology manufacturing in the state.
The project also reinforces Tamil Nadu’s position as one of India’s leading hubs for next-generation automotive manufacturing and electric vehicle innovation.
Expanding Electric Mobility Capabilities
Ashok Leyland executive chairman Dheeraj Hinduja said the company’s growth has been closely linked with Tamil Nadu’s industrial development for more than seven decades.
Ashok Leyland, along with its electric mobility arm Switch Mobility, has already developed a wide range of electric commercial vehicles and has established a strong presence in the EV market.
According to Hinduja, the new battery pack facility represents a key milestone in the company’s electric mobility journey and underscores its commitment to building a strong domestic EV ecosystem.
Focus On Advanced Battery Technology
Ashok Leyland MD & CEO Shenu Agarwal highlighted the strategic importance of battery pack technology for the future of electric mobility and energy storage.
The facility will enable the company to develop advanced battery pack solutions with enhanced efficiency, safety, and reliability, while also supporting localisation of the EV battery supply chain.
The project is also expected to create new opportunities for specialised talent in high-tech manufacturing and energy storage technologies, he added.
A Long Legacy In Tamil Nadu
Ashok Leyland has maintained a strong manufacturing presence in Tamil Nadu for over 77 years. Starting with its first plant in Ennore in 1948, the company has expanded its footprint to nine manufacturing facilities spread across more than 800 acres in the state.
Over the decades, the company has invested more than ₹9,000 crore in Tamil Nadu, generating over 37,000 jobs and playing a key role in establishing the state as a major automotive manufacturing hub in India.