Indian commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland is gearing up to make a major entry into the European electric bus market by manufacturing electric buses at its Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates facility, with production expected to begin within the next 12 months. The announcement marks a significant step in the company’s global electric mobility strategy.
According to industry reports, the decision to produce electric buses in the UAE comes as part of Ashok Leyland’s broader plan to serve international markets more efficiently. The RAK plant — already operational for various bus assembly activities — will be retooled and scaled up to serve European demand for electric buses, positioning it as a regional export hub for these zero-emission vehicles.
This move follows strategic shifts in manufacturing for Ashok Leyland’s electric bus arm, Switch Mobility, which has recently relocated key production activities from the United Kingdom to the UAE. The relocation was driven by cost optimization and logistical advantages offered by the RAK facility, in addition to improved access to both the European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.
Company officials have highlighted that while the UK facility at Sherburn in Elmet will cease operations, Ashok Leyland remains committed to serving European customers. The UAE plant’s expanded role is expected to handle both UK and continental European electric bus orders, with investment in the facility expected to remain capital-efficient rather than involving entirely new construction.
Industry analysts say this reflects a broader trend among commercial vehicle makers seeking lower operating costs and better supply chain logistics to compete in global electric vehicle markets. For Ashok Leyland, which has also been expanding its presence in other international markets such as Saudi Arabia and Southeast Asia, the RAK production base is set to play a key role in supporting future export strategies.
The company’s electrification push comes as demand for electric buses grows worldwide and as Ashok Leyland continues to invest in EV technologies, including battery manufacturing and localisation of key components. It also aligns with the Indian automaker’s ambition to increase its share of exports and bolster its footprint in electric mobility beyond the domestic market.
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