In order to promote R&D activities for strengthening battery engineering and related sub-parts for electric vehicles, Ashok Leyland has entered into an agreement with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M).
According to the agreement, Ashok Leyland will sponsor the Centre of Battery Engineering (CoBE) at IIT-M. It will provide a funding of Rs 1.5 crore over a five-year period to the centre. CoBE will play a larger role in bringing synergies among various industry partners.
Moreover, the centre will seek to supplement ongoing research by facilitating collaboration between industry and researchers to study various battery characteristics. It will also work on developing the next generation of smart battery chargers and battery management protocols.
Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja Group flagship company in India, is engaged in the manufacturing of commercial vehicles and related components. The company’s products include buses, trucks, engines, defense and special vehicles.