Ashok Leyland begins construction of EV battery pack plant near Chennai

Ashok Leyland Limited has started construction of a greenfield battery pack manufacturing facility at Pillaipakkam near Chennai. The project involves an investment of Rs 400–500 crore and forms part of the commitments made under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Hinduja Group and the Government of Tamil Nadu in September 2025.

The facility is aimed at localising electric vehicle (EV) battery pack production and strengthening the EV supply chain in India, while also supporting employment and skills development in Tamil Nadu. The project aligns with Tamil Nadu’s Electric Vehicle Policy 2023, the National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage, and India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

The foundation plaque for the project was unveiled by M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. The ceremony was attended by T.R.B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce in the Government of Tamil Nadu, along with officials from Guidance Tamil Nadu and the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT). Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ashok Leyland Limited, and other representatives of the company were also present.

Tamil Nadu has emerged as a major centre for EV manufacturing in India. Companies such as VinFast, Ola Electric, TVS Motor, Ather Energy and Hyundai have established operations in the state, supported by a growing ecosystem of EV component and battery suppliers. The new facility at Pillaipakkam adds to this expanding manufacturing base.

Ashok Leyland’s presence in Tamil Nadu dates back to 1948, when it set up its first manufacturing plant in Ennore. The company now operates nine facilities spread across more than 800 acres in the state and has invested over Rs 9,000 crore in Tamil Nadu over the years.

Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman of Ashok Leyland Limited, said the company and its subsidiary Switch Mobility have developed a range of electric commercial vehicles and currently hold a leading position in the segment. He stated that the new facility represents a further step in the company’s electric mobility strategy and its efforts to support a domestic EV ecosystem.

Agarwal said battery pack technology will play a central role in the future of electric mobility and energy storage. He added that the facility will support the development of advanced battery pack solutions while contributing to skill development in high-technology manufacturing.

Photo credit: @TRBRajaa/ X