Ashok Leyland and Nidec collaborate to develop e-drive motors for commercial vehicles • EVreporter

Ashok Leyland, part of the Hinduja Group and a commercial vehicle manufacturer in India, has signed a partnership agreement with Nidec Motor Corporation, a subsidiary of Nidec Corporation, a Japan-based electric motor drives manufacturer. The collaboration focuses on developing electric drive motors and systems designed for India’s commercial vehicle sector.

The agreement was signed by Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Ashok Leyland, and Michael Briggs, President of Nidec Motion & Energy, in the presence of N. Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer, Ashok Leyland; Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Senior Vice President of Product Development, Ashok Leyland; Greg Gorman, Chief Growth Officer, Nidec Motion & Energy; Anthony Pickering, President of Nidec Motion; Glen Feng, President of Nidec’s Traction business segment; and Girish D. Kulkarni, Managing Director of Nidec Motion & Energy India.

Ashok Leyland and Nidec will collaborate to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Electric Drive Units (EDUs). The CoE will focus on developing motor technologies and power electronics systems for electric vehicles, along with innovations in gear-shifting mechanisms. The partnership will involve joint research and development, with both companies contributing to skills development, lab infrastructure, and the creation of motor technologies for the electric vehicle portfolios of Ashok Leyland and its subsidiary, Switch Mobility.

Ashok Leyland will continue sourcing motors from Nidec for its current electric vehicle lineup while working together on future electric vehicle solutions. The partnership is aimed at designing e-drives that meet the operational requirements of India’s commercial vehicle sector and building a local supply chain for next-generation electric vehicles in India.

Mr. Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director & CEO, Ashok Leyland said, “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.”

Mr. Michael Briggs, President, Nidec Motion & Energy said, “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.”

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