Ashok Leyland Partners with Nidec to Develop Advanced Electric Drive Systems for Commercial Vehicles

Ashok Leyland, a flagship company of the Hinduja Group and a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, has entered into a strategic partnership with Nidec Motor Corporation, a global leader in electric motor drives and a subsidiary of Nidec Corporation. This collaboration will focus on developing advanced e-drive motors and systems tailored to the needs of India’s commercial vehicle sector, driving the evolution of electric mobility in the country.

The agreement was signed by Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, and Mr. Michael Briggs, President of Nidec Motion & Energy, in the presence of senior executives from both companies, including Dr. N. Saravanan (Chief Technology Officer, Ashok Leyland), Dr. Kanakasabapathi Subramanian (SVP Product Development, Ashok Leyland), Mr. Greg Gorman (Chief Growth Officer, Nidec Motion & Energy), and Mr. Girish D Kulkarni (Managing Director, Nidec Motion & Energy India).

Joint Centre of Excellence for Electric Drive Units (EDUs)

As part of the collaboration, Ashok Leyland and Nidec will establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Electric Drive Units (EDUs). The CoE will focus on developing next-generation motor technologies, power electronics systems, and innovative gear-shifting mechanisms for electric vehicles. Both companies will engage in joint research and development, contributing to skills development, lab infrastructure, and the creation of differentiated motor technologies for Ashok Leyland and its subsidiary, Switch Mobility.

Future-Focused Electric Mobility Solutions

In addition to sourcing motors from Nidec for its current electric vehicle lineup, Ashok Leyland will collaborate with Nidec on R&D to design future electric solutions. The partnership aims to create e-drives optimized for the diverse terrains and operational demands of India’s commercial vehicle market. A key goal is to build a robust local supply chain for next-generation electric vehicles, ensuring long-term sustainability and innovation.

Leaders’ Perspectives on the Partnership

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating,
“Ashok Leyland is thrilled to collaborate with Nidec, a global leader in electric motor technology. Together, we will co-develop innovative e-drive motors designed specifically for the unique demands of India’s commercial vehicle market, advancing our capabilities in electric mobility. By leveraging our combined expertise, we aim to set new benchmarks and drive the future of sustainable commercial transportation in India.”

Mr. Michael Briggs, President of Nidec Motion & Energy, added,
“Nidec is well-positioned in India and perfectly suited to accelerate the adoption of commercial EVs. Our motor technology and investment strategy align well with Ashok Leyland’s deep understanding of the commercial vehicle sector. This partnership ensures that customers will continue to receive the trusted Ashok Leyland product, now enhanced with the technology needed for greater efficiency and adaptation to the evolving global energy landscape.”

A Shared Vision for Sustainable Commercial Transportation

This partnership between Ashok Leyland and Nidec underscores their shared commitment to innovation, addressing the challenges of electric mobility in India, and shaping a sustainable future for commercial vehicles through cutting-edge technology. By working together, both companies aim to drive advancements in electric mobility and set new standards for the commercial vehicle industry.