Ashok Leyland has announced that it has begun construction of a battery pack manufacturing facility at Pillaipakkam, near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The plant will be developed as a greenfield project.
Investment and Project Scope
The company stated that the project will involve an investment of around ₹400–500 crore. This facility is part of the investments planned by the Hinduja Group under a memorandum of understanding signed in September 2025.
Alignment with Policy Framework
The battery pack facility is aligned with Tamil Nadu’s Electric Vehicle Policy 2023 and the Government of India’s National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage. It also supports the country’s broader goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Presence in Tamil Nadu
Ashok Leyland has had operations in Tamil Nadu since 1948, starting with its Ennore plant. The company currently operates nine manufacturing facilities in the state, covering over 800 acres.
Past Investments and Employment
According to the company, it has invested more than ₹9,000 crore in Tamil Nadu over the years. These investments have contributed to the creation of over 37,000 jobs across its operations in the state.
Focus on Electric Mobility
The new facility is part of the company’s efforts to expand its presence in the electric vehicle segment, particularly in battery systems and related components.
M.K. Stalin, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Tamil Nadu unveiled the Foundation Plaque. T. R. B. Rajaa, Minister for Industries, Investment Promotions and Commerce in the Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the ceremony, along with the leadership of Guidance Tamil Nadu and representatives from the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu; Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, and several other dignitaries.
The new battery pack manufacturing facility at Pillaipakkam represents a strategic step in building a robust EV ecosystem. The facility will help localize EV battery pack production, strengthen India’s electric mobility supply chain and create new opportunities for employment and advanced skill development in Tamil Nadu, further reinforcing the state’s position as a leading hub for next-generation automotive manufacturing and EV innovation.
Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “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, have already developed a vast range of electric Commercial Vehicles, and have taken a lead position in the EV market. The groundbreaking of the 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.”
Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, “Battery pack technology is central to the future of electric mobility and energy storage. This facility will enable us to build advanced battery pack solutions with greater efficiency, safety and reliability while supporting the battery supply chain localisation It will also contribute to developing specialized talent and creating new opportunities in high-technology manufacturing within Tamil Nadu.”
