Electric freight trucks
Vijay Jaiswal, Director of SFC India, launched the workshop with a welcome address underscoring the importance of a cohesive strategy to transition to electric freight trucks. He highlighted the role of policy offices, industry partners, and the energy sector in building a roadmap. The event is part of ongoing efforts supported by 17 knowledge partners under the e-FAST platform to scale zero-emission truck pilots in Telangana and beyond.
Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, emphasised the necessity of combining sustainability with economic competitiveness in India's freight sector. “India’s freight sector is at a critical juncture, where sustainability and economic competitiveness must go hand in hand. The adoption of ZETs represents a significant step towards decarbonising the medium and heavy-duty freight sector, aligning with our national climate goals. While there are challenges in scaling ZET adoption, platforms like the ZET Enablement Workshop and the efforts of SFC India create a vital collaborative environment for knowledge-sharing, addressing barriers, and driving actionable solutions.”
Jayesh Ranjan also spoke about Telangana's goals of achieving net-zero emissions soon, with electric mobility in the trucking sector being a crucial part of this transition. “Electric mobility, especially in the trucking sector, will play a significant role in this transition. Telangana will focus on knowledge-based industries like AI and advanced technologies, with rapid developments expected within the next 2-3 years. Electric trucks, along with upcoming ZET heavy vehicle pilots, mobility valley initiatives, and green skill partnerships, will be key components of the state's strategy.”
Telangana’s EV policy
Gopalakrishnan VC, Director Automotive, Government of Telangana, also outlined Telangana’s EV policy which includes incentives for manufacturing, innovation, and skilling under the Telangana Mobility Valley. Their ZET accelerators are setting the stage for pilot projects and scaling efforts.
Vijay Jaiswal, Director of SFC India, reflected on the rapid momentum of ZET adoption in India. “I would like to thank Jayesh Ranjan and Gopalakrishnan VC for gracing the event and providing us with such insightful thoughts. In India, the adoption of ZETs is rapidly gaining momentum, fueled by growing commitments to sustainability and clear economic advantages. Indian Freight Buyers and Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) are increasingly integrating ZETs into their operations, highlighted by the demand for 7,750 e-trucks at the CEM Goa event in July 2023 under NITI Aayog’s e-FAST program.”
Importance of electrification
Amartya Awasthi from ASCI highlighted the potential for electrifying mine haul trucks, which consume significant fuel, and shared their support for Smart Freight Centre India in exploring pathways for scaling electric trucks.
Suganth KS from RMI India, in his presentation, mentioned the Zero Emission Trucking Accelerator, initiated by Telangana Mobility Valley with RMI's technical support.“It aims to deploy and increase the adoption of Zero Emission Trucks (ZETs) in Telangana. The accelerator has received applications from OEMs, fleet operators, and infrastructure providers, and is set to deploy ZET pilots in key sectors like cement, mining, and FMCG.”
Participants of the workshop engaged in interactive sessions and a roundtable discussion focused on e-trucks in Telangana, delving into strategies for overcoming adoption barriers and identifying collaboration opportunities. Group working sessions also were integral, designed to address pains, gains, and actionable steps necessary for successful ZET adoption.
The workshop aimed to catalyse a shift toward sustainable freight in India, providing a platform for accelerated ZET adoption and fostering long-term environmental and economic benefits.
ZET Enablement Workshop Series
To further support ZET adoption, the ZET Enablement Workshop Series has been initiated. This series promotes collaboration among industry leaders, government representatives, and key stakeholders, seeking ways to overcome barriers to ZET adoption. With previous consultations in Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi, these workshops have seen participation from OEMs, think tanks, policymakers, LSPs, and shippers, exploring sustainable logistics solutions and addressing challenges in the ecosystem.
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