Switch Mobility to take forward Ashok Leyland’s e-mobility plans

Commercial vehicle major, Ashok Leyland outlined that it will take forward e-mobility plans for the Indian and the global market through its UK-based subsidiary Switch Mobility, while addressing the media on financial results. In April 2021, as a part of global expansion, the Chennai based company, announced plans to create two subsidiary companies. 
 
Switch Mobility Automotive, is being formed to carry on the EV strategy in India, which forms part of its global entity. Switch Mobility Automotive brings together Ashok Leyland’s capabilities both from Optare UK and Ashok Leyland’s EV division. The second subsidiary is OHM Global Mobility, which will focus on providing Mobility as a Service offering. 

OHM Global Mobility is a solutions company being piloted in India with ambitious plans to roll out Mobility as a Service (eMaaS) globally. Together, this will provide a net carbon zero emission solution to India’s trend towards EV urban buses and LCVs, the company pointed out. During the announcement in April, Dheeraj Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility, mentioned that Switch Mobility Automotive will help them fulfil their aspiration of zero carbon emission transportation. 

Addressing the queries on financial results, Gopal Mahadevan, Whole Time Director and Chief Financial Officer, Ashok Leyland, mentioned that the entire EV initiative of the company will come under Switch Mobility. “It will have its arm in India. Also, in addition to the domestic market, it will also cater to the EV customers in the SAARC region. This is a super important market. The OHM Global Mobility will provide EVs almost like pay per kilometre for the customers. There is more to this, and we will unfurl it soon,” he said.   
 
Adding to his points, Vipin Sondhi, MD & CEO Ashok Leyland, said that they will be going in for a global play on electric buses, e-LCVs, and then in the future on alternate fuels. “In terms of strategy, we will remain in CVs and our vision remains unchanged,” he said.