Exciting goods transport: Eliminating carbon footprint with electric trucks

India is set to take a significant step forward in its sustainability efforts, as the government proposes to overlay the electrification prerogative onto missions such as PM Gati Shakti. This ambitious plan aims to pioneer a freight transition with equal ambition as its electric bus programme, with the goal of cleaner air, lower costs, and a competitive economy.

Currently, India has 11,000 electric buses on the road and has contracted for the delivery of over 25,000 more every month. All these electric buses are locally manufactured, with Indian companies like Ashok Leyland leading the charge, also manufacturing electric trucks. At least four electric bus manufacturers in India also produce electric trucks.

However, the electric truck sector in India is still in its infancy. Fewer than 500 trucks in India are electric, and trucks account for 64% of India's diesel consumption. With over 12 million trucks on the road, there is a significant opportunity for growth.

To facilitate this growth, a single-window system of clearances is proposed for the expedited installation of charging stations for heavy-duty freight. Select national highways are suggested for prioritization in electrification, to be steered by respective ministries and monitored for timely implementation. Long-term fixed-revenue contracts are key to making the investment in e-trucks commercially viable.

The diesel-dominated trucking industry is thriving on inefficiencies, with high logistics costs and a fragmented market filled with intermediaries. To address this, emitter, transport providers, and highway authorities are encouraged to make a concerted effort to help the industry achieve greater efficiency.

The growth of India's electric bus programme took less than three years, and the government offered attractive incentives to transit agencies to lure them to electric. Similar incentives may be necessary to drive the adoption of electric trucks. Operational parameters must be increased by at least 15% to make the investment in e-trucks comparable to a diesel variant.

India's corporate leaders are encouraged to come together to enable the transition to electric freight, through commitment, patience, and facilitating operational efficiencies. With the second-largest urban electric bus programme in the world, India is poised to make a significant impact in the global transition to electric freight.

However, it's important to note that trucks in India emit over 40% of the transport sector's overall greenhouse gas emissions. By transitioning to electric freight, India can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to the global fight against climate change.

The proposed plans for electric freight transition in India are ambitious, but with the right support and commitment, they could lead to a cleaner, more efficient, and more competitive economy.