Ashok Leyland partners with Nidec to develop E-drive motors for commercial vehicles

ETAuto Desk ETAuto Desk | 10-03 16:20

Ashok Leyland will continue to source motors from Nidec for its current electric vehicle lineup while working together on future electric solutions.
Ashok Leyland has entered into a partnership with Nidec Motor Corporation to develop novel e-drive motors for India's commercial vehicles. The agreement, signed on October 3, 2024, by Ashok Leyland's MD & CEO Shenu Agarwal and Nidec's President Michael Briggs, aims to create efficient electric mobility solutions tailored to India's unique demands. This collaboration will establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Electric Drive Units that will focus on advanced motor technologies, power electronics systems, and gear-shifting mechanisms.

What does it mean?

The newly established Centre of Excellence will commit to developing cutting-edge motor technologies and power electronics systems for electric vehicles. Both companies, Ashok Leyland and Nidec, will jointly contribute to research and development efforts, training, and lab infrastructure. They will also work on defining new motor technologies for Ashok Leyland and its electric vehicle subsidiary, Switch Mobility.

The partnership was made official in the presence of notable executives, including Ashok Leyland's CTO Dr. N. Saravanan, SVP Product Development Dr. Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, and Nidec's Chief Growth Officer Greg Gorman, President of Nidec Motion Anthony Pickering, President of Nidec Traction Glen Feng, and MD of Nidec Motion & Energy India Girish D Kulkarni.

Ashok Leyland's step towards sustainability

Ashok Leyland will continue to source motors from Nidec for its current electric vehicle lineup while working together on future electric solutions. This partnership aims to facilitate the creation of e-drives that fulfill the varied operational needs of India's commercial vehicle market and will also focus on building a robust local supply chain for next-generation electric vehicles in the country.

Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: "Ashok Leyland is delighted to partner with Nidec, a global leader in electric motor technology. This collaboration allows us to co-develop innovative e-drive motors specifically designed for the unique demands of India’s commercial vehicle market, while significantly advancing our electric mobility capabilities. By combining our strengths, we aim to create cutting-edge solutions that will set new benchmarks and drive the future of sustainable commercial transportation in India."

Michael Briggs, President of Nidec Motion & Energy, also commented: "Nidec is well positioned in India and is a perfect fit for accelerating India’s commercial EV adoption. Our investment strategy and motor technology are well complemented by Ashok Leyland, who understand the precise and specific demands of the commercial vehicle market. This partnership will ensure that customers receive the same Ashok Leyland product they trust but now with the technology they need for efficiency and a changing global energy landscape."

Collaboration to drive electrification

The collaboration between Ashok Leyland and Nidec highlights a common goal of driving innovation and addressing the challenges of electric mobility in India. It reinforces Ashok Leyland's leadership in the commercial vehicle sector and focuses on creating sustainable future solutions through advanced technology.

By establishing a local supply chain and focusing on next-generation electric vehicle technologies, this partnership aims to revolutionise India's commercial vehicle industry. The joint endeavours in research and technological advancements will contribute to a significant leap forward in the efficiency and efficacy of electric vehicles, particularly tailored for India's diverse terrains and operational requirements.

This collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to designing and innovating e-drive systems that cater specifically to the unique demands of the Indian market. By leveraging Nidec's cutting-edge motor technology and Ashok Leyland's deep understanding of the commercial vehicle landscape, this partnership aims to bring forth electric mobility solutions that set new industry benchmarks.

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