Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has praised the government’s PM E-Drive initiative, considering it a crucial advancement in India’s journey toward achieving carbon-neutral mobility. Satyakam Arya, the Managing Director and CEO of DICV, underscored the scheme’s potential to hasten the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), which is in perfect alignment with the company’s sustainability objectives.
The PM E-Drive initiative, which provides financial incentives for scrapping older trucks, aims to improve safety standards and diminish emissions in the transport sector. Arya emphasized that this initiative is not only a catalyst for fleet modernization but also establishes a supportive environment for the introduction of electric vehicles.
By incentivizing the retirement of older, less efficient trucks, the scheme aims to enhance the overall safety and environmental performance of the commercial vehicle fleet. In a recent press statement, Arya remarked, “The PM E-Drive initiative represents a significant milestone in expediting the transition to carbon-neutral mobility within India. By linking incentives to the scrapping of older trucks, this scheme promotes not just improved safety standards and lower emissions but also encourages fleet modernization. This aligns perfectly with our strategic goals at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles.”
The PM E-Drive initiative, with a financial allocation of ₹10,900 crore, is designed to foster the adoption of electric vehicles and expand the necessary charging infrastructure across the nation. The scheme officially commenced on October 1 and is set to run until March 31, 2026. It replaces the previous ₹11,500-crore Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) II program, which concluded in March.
Moreover, Arya highlighted that the emphasis on enhancing charging infrastructure under the PM E-Drive initiative will play a vital role in promoting the uptake of electric trucks. This infrastructure will provide the essential support required for sustainable growth in the long term, creating a conducive environment for the widespread acceptance of electric vehicles.
“This initiative is poised to unlock considerable opportunities within the commercial vehicle sector, paving the way for the adoption of cleaner, more efficient, and technologically advanced transportation solutions that contribute to a greener future,” he stated.
This development follows Daimler India Commercial Vehicles’ announcement earlier this year regarding its entry into the zero-emission truck market in India. The company has initiated a clinical trial for its light-duty electric truck, the eCanter, which is anticipated to be available on the roads in the next six to twelve months.
The third-generation eCanter will be locally assembled in India, catering to the rising demand for e-commerce solutions in the country. This launch also signifies Bharat Benz’s entry into the 3.5 to 7.5-tonne truck segment, a market where the company had previously had no presence.
Globally, Daimler Trucks has already sold over 2,500 eCanters, collectively covering more than 8 million kilometers on the road. Based on the Mitsubishi Fuso platform, this light-duty truck is currently assembled in both Japan and Europe, with India now becoming the third major market for its local assembly.
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) is a subsidiary of Daimler AG, focusing on the manufacturing and distribution of commercial vehicles in India. Established in 2012, DICV produces a wide range of Bharat Benz trucks and buses, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions. The company is committed to advancing electric mobility and enhancing the commercial transport sector in India.
