Ashok Leyland Expands EV Line with Major Order from Billion Electric Mobility

NEWSINVESTMENT

10/8/20241 min read

Ashok Leyland, a leading player in the commercial vehicle industry, is setting up a new electric vehicle manufacturing line at its Hosur plant. This expansion comes on the heels of securing India’s largest order for electric trucks from Billion Electric Mobility. The order, worth ₹150 crore, includes 180 electric trucks—135 Boss intermediate commercial vehicles (ICVs) and 45 Avtr 55-ton electric tractors.

The new production line, dedicated to medium and heavy electric trucks, will initially have the capacity to produce 5,000 units annually. The company aims to scale this capacity based on demand. Deliveries for the current order have already commenced, marking a significant step in the electric truck market.

Customizable, High-Performance Electric Trucks

Ashok Leyland’s Boss ICVs, with a payload capacity of 7 to 10 tonnes, offer a range exceeding 200 km, powered by flexible battery configurations based on customer needs. The Avtr 55-ton electric tractors feature a robust 300-kWh battery and a 220-kW motor, allowing for flexible range adjustments. These modular designs reflect Ashok Leyland’s commitment to tailoring specifications to fit the operational requirements of their clients.

Focus on Intercity Logistics

Billion Electric Mobility plans to deploy these trucks for intercity logistics, with initial routes connecting key cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, and Pune. Billion is setting up a network of supercharging stations in collaboration with ChargeZone, ensuring efficient operation of these electric fleets. Charging stations will be installed every 100-150 km, offering 180-240 kW supercharging, with several already operational.

Hydrogen-Powered ICE Trucks in Development

Alongside its advancements in electric vehicles, Ashok Leyland is also making progress in hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks, in collaboration with Reliance. With 26 vehicles currently in trials, the company expects a commercial rollout in the next 18 to 24 months, emphasizing safety protocols around refueling and servicing.

This move signals Ashok Leyland's growing leadership in sustainable transportation, positioning the company at the forefront of India’s shift towards green logistics solutions.