About the project
The transport sector is the fastest-growing contributor to climate change. In India, medium and heavy-duty trucks (MHDTs) comprise only 2% of the total vehicle population but contribute to 45% of the overall vehicular road transport emissions. Faster transition to electric vehicles can keep the world on the 1.5°C global temperature pathway. Increased uptake will also help India meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Leading the electric truck transition in India
Electrification of medium and heavy-duty trucks (e-MHDT) is an India-specific project, developed in partnership with pManifold Business Solutions. The project is part of the EV100+ campaign and focuses on the electrification of medium and heavy-duty trucks (MHDTs) with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) above 3.5T.
Through our EV100 and EV100+ campaigns and networks, we are uniquely positioned to elevate India’s electric vehicle uptake. This existing business network extends to 128 companies under both the campaigns and 90,000 trucks have already been committed for electrification by 2040 under the EV100+ campaign. Our active partnerships have brought together the government, businesses and end-users.
Who we work with
Businesses
Early adoption of electric medium and heavy freight trucking is anticipated to be boosted by business adoption in demand and supply side companies, identical to the electric transition that is unfolding in the passenger segment. We're working with some of India’s leading businesses on electric MHDTs with a focus on specific use cases such as FMCG, parcel load and e-commerce.
- Sectoral roadmaps - We’ve prepared sectoral roadmaps on the market potential of electric MHDTs at the national level and are customising them for states through complementary state engagements. As per our analysis, the sectors that would see early adoption of zero-emission trucks include e-commerce/FMCG, food processing and development, and mining.
- Feasibility analysis - We're partnering with businesses to understand diverse projects in which electric trucks can be deployed.
- Tracking developments - We're documenting progress on electric trucks in India and key learnings that can inspire more businesses to take action.
Governments and policymakers
India has a portfolio of policies and supportive market trends that can accelerate the transition to effective, cost-efficient, clean freight movement.
- Supporting policy at the national and state levels – For policymakers to take informed decisions, we’re developing model frameworks to increase the evidence base on mainstreaming Zero Emission Trucks.
- Just transition assessment - The electric truck transition should be just, equitable and sustainable., We’re shining a light on the transition’s impact on key stakeholders in India’s trucking sector, including personnel employed by maintenance and repair support services and driver partners.
Our flagships
To accelerate the adoption of electric trucks in India, we're actively amplifying conversations around truck electrification and related concerns. We're also working on demonstrating a business case for large scale uptake.
Dialogue Series
Developed in partnership with pManifold Business Solutions, this is a series of convenings to understand the potential and challenges of electric trucks in India by bringing together key stakeholders from the Indian transport market.
Deliberations range from global best practices, adoption pathways, strategies for the supply of fit-for-purpose freight vehicles and fuel efficiency norms to relevant regulatory interventions in India.
Watch all episodes from the series here.
E-trucks pilot
There is a dearth of knowledge on electric trucks plying in Indian road conditions. We aim to create on-ground success stories that demonstrate a business case for large scale electric truck adoption.
JSW Steel, IKEA and Flipkart launched pilots in 2023 to introduce electric trucks in their Indian fleets. You can read more about the pilot here.
Our publications
Reports
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Early market outlook report - Electrification of medium and heavy-duty trucks in India - This report outlines the landscape of the Indian trucking industry, focusing on the electrification of medium and heavy-duty trucks (MHDTs), and examines use cases with the potential for transition.
Download the report here.
Articles
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Treading the electric truck transition - The article underlines the need for e-MHDTs, features of Indian trucking operations and ways to overcome the barriers to electric transition.
Read the full article here.
Blogs
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Why zero- emission trucks are the future of clean transportation in India - Based on recent research conducted separately by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and Climate Group, this blog highlights how accelerating the transition to zero-emission trucks can yield economic, environmental, and energy security gains for India.
Read more here.
