Core Viewpoint - Ashok Leyland, India's third-largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, plans to invest over 50 billion INR (approximately 4.05 billion CNY) in domestic electric vehicle battery production over the next 7-10 years [1] Group 1: Investment and Collaboration - The investment will support Ashok Leyland's electric vehicle division, Switch, and supply batteries to other automakers and for energy storage purposes [1] - Ashok Leyland will collaborate with CALB, a leading global electric vehicle battery manufacturer, to develop battery production [1] Group 2: Market Context - Currently, most Indian electric vehicle manufacturers rely on imported battery cells from China and South Korea, with battery costs typically accounting for 40% of the total vehicle cost [2] - Local production of batteries is expected to help reduce costs for electric vehicle manufacturers in India [2] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Ashok Leyland joins Tata Motors and Ola Electric in plans to produce electric vehicle battery cells and packs domestically, creating competition with traditional battery manufacturers like Exide and Amara Raja [1]