The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), hosted a knowledge-sharing session in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss the allocation of Rs 500 crore under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme. This initiative, which now extends to the truck sector, is a key part of India’s push towards electric trucks (e-trucks), supporting the country’s goals for energy security and climate sustainability.
The event, titled India E-Truck Exchange, brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), logistics providers, and industry experts, to explore how funds can be used to incentivize the adoption of e-trucks and reduce emissions in the transport sector. While medium- and heavy-duty trucks account for only 3% of India’s fleet, they contribute to 44% of CO₂ emissions, underscoring the importance of transitioning to electric vehicles. This initiative aligns with the Supreme Court’s directive to implement a diesel truck replacement policy by January 2024.
Kamran Rizvi, Secretary at MHI, highlighted the importance of electric trucks in transforming the transport sector, stating, “The journey for electric trucks has just begun. We need to fully utilize the Rs 500 crore allocated under the PM E-DRIVE scheme.” Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary at MHI, discussed the dual benefits of electric trucks in cutting fuel costs and improving air quality, pointing out that the heavy transport sector contributes 18% of India’s pollution, making electric trucks essential for cleaner transport.
Amit Bhatt, Managing Director of ICCT India, stressed the alignment of this initiative with both national and global environmental goals. Research by ICCT suggests that to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, India must electrify its entire road transport sector, including trucks, between 2045 and 2050. Sudhendu J. Sinha from NITI Aayog emphasized the transformative potential of electric trucks, aiming to deploy the maximum number of vehicles through the Rs 500 crore funding.
The PM E-DRIVE scheme also allocates Rs 500 crore for electric ambulances and trucks, with an additional Rs 2,000 crore for charging infrastructure and Rs 4,391 crore for electric public transport, including over 14,000 electric buses. These efforts are designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, tackle urban pollution, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
India’s medium- and heavy-duty truck fleet, which accounts for 41% of road transport’s total oil consumption, is expected to benefit significantly from electric trucks. ICCT research shows that electric trucks are 65% more fuel-efficient, leading to substantial cost savings and reducing emissions by up to 83%, particularly when powered by renewable energy. The electric truck market is also poised for growth, with sales of medium- and heavy-duty trucks rising by 26% in FY23.
The adoption of electric trucks is a crucial step for India to meet its climate targets, including the Paris Agreement and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Achieving 100% zero-emission truck sales by 2045 to 2050 is vital for the country to stay aligned with global climate commitments. Through the PM E-DRIVE scheme and initiatives like the India E-Truck Exchange, India is making significant strides toward sustainable and efficient mobility, ensuring a greener future for its transportation sector.
