Transportation companies explore electric vehicles as a means for environmental sustainability

Headline: Sustainable Transportation Gains Momentum in India with Major Companies Embracing Electric Vehicles

The transportation landscape in India is undergoing a significant transformation, with several major companies embracing electric vehicles (EVs) as part of a global effort to make transportation more sustainable.

Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) Leads the Way

In Bengaluru, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is at the forefront of this movement, planning to deploy at least 50 electric vehicles in the city this year. The government is encouraging this shift towards a sustainable transport policy, with the expectation that lithium-ion batteries will be fully manufactured in India within the next six months.

DHL Supply Chain Goes Electric

On a global scale, DHL Supply Chain, a division of Deutsche Post DHL Group, one of the biggest logistics companies in the world, is leading the charge. Last month, the company announced a plan to invest €7 billion over the next 10 years to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In 2021, DHL Supply Chain will transition to electric three-wheelers, and by 2023, the company aims to convert its entire two-wheeler fleet to electric. By 2025, DHL Supply Chain expects to have only electric vehicles for intra-city deliveries.

Stellar Value Chain and Mahindra Electric Mobility Join the Movement

Stellar Value Chain, a company that forms groups of vendors and helps them finance their operations, is asking its vendors to buy electric vehicles for e-commerce shipments. Similarly, Mahindra Electric Mobility, a leading Indian electric vehicle manufacturer, expects 40%-45% of sales in the small commercial vehicle category to come from electric vehicles by 2025. Mahindra Electric Mobility has announced a fresh investment of Rs 3,000 crore towards EVs.

Last-Mile Mobility Set for a Revolution

Last-mile mobility in India offers a huge EV penetration opportunity and is set for a massive transformation. FM Logistics, for instance, launched its first set of electric vehicles in Bengaluru and plans to deploy at least 50 such vehicles by the end of the year. Stellar Value Chain plans to use electric vehicles for distances within a 50 km radius.

Challenges Ahead

However, the faster deployment of electric vehicles will need a proportionate ramp-up of key enablers such as subsidy, ease of financing, and availability of charging infrastructure. Girish Wagh, president of the CV division at Tata Motors, emphasised this point, stating that the company is tracking trends, demand for electric commercial vehicles, and will introduce products with appropriate technology as it becomes relevant, required, and viable.

In conclusion, the shift towards sustainable transportation is gaining momentum in India, with major companies like DHL Supply Chain, BMTC, Stellar Value Chain, and Mahindra Electric Mobility leading the charge. This transformation in last-mile mobility is set to reshape the transportation landscape in India, making it more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Transportation companies explore electric vehicles as a means for environmental sustainability