Indias First Electric Mid-Haul Truck Launched, Revolutionising Green Logistics
Pune, India is witnessing a pivotal moment in its journey towards sustainable urbanisation with the launch of India’s first mid-haul re-powered electric truck. This groundbreaking initiative, a collaborative effort by prominent industry leaders, introduces an 8-ton electric vehicle capable of traversing up to 250 kilometres on a single charge. This innovation marks a significant stride in de-carbonising the nation’s logistics sector, promising cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint for Indian cities.
This landmark development is the result of a strategic partnership between Agarwal Packers & Movers Ltd. (APML), Henkel India, and Kalyani Powertrain Ltd., a key entity within the Bharat Forge Group. The vehicle, an 8-ton capacity truck, has been ingeniously retrofitted with an indigenously developed electric powertrain kit from Kalyani Powertrain. This retrofitting approach is particularly noteworthy as it offers a cost-effective, scalable, and low-risk pathway to decarbonise India’s expansive freight sector, which has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels.
The newly introduced electric truck will initially operate on two critical intercity routes: the extensive 1,321-kilometre corridor from Chennai to Pune, and the 713-kilometre stretch from Pune to Halol. To ensure operational efficiency and minimise downtime, a network of fast DC charging stations has been strategically installed at partner depots along these vital freight corridors. This meticulous planning addresses a key challenge in electric vehicle adoption for longer hauls, demonstrating a viable model for future expansion and widespread deployment across the nation’s logistics landscape.
This initiative holds profound implications for environmental sustainability and urban liveability. According to project estimates, each re-powered electric truck is projected to help avoid over 50 tonnes of carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) emissions annually. This significant reduction directly contributes to the vision of creating zero net carbon and eco-friendly cities, mitigating air pollution, and improving public health outcomes for urban populations. Furthermore, the quieter operation of electric trucks will reduce noise pollution, enhancing the overall quality of life in densely populated areas and fostering more equitable urban environments.
The launch marks an industry-first for the logistics sector, particularly in the challenging medium-haul freight segment, which has traditionally been underserved by electric mobility solutions. By successfully retrofitting a heavy-duty truck with a fully electric powertrain for these operational distances, the collaboration sets a crucial operational benchmark. This includes validated vehicle specifications, charging protocols, and performance metrics, providing invaluable data and a proven model for other logistics players and governmental bodies nationwide looking to transition to cleaner fleets.
This strategic alliance between three prominent industry leaders not only establishes a new precedent in sustainable transportation but also significantly strengthens India’s position in the global clean mobility landscape. By championing such innovative and eco-conscious solutions, Indian cities can accelerate their progress towards becoming truly sustainable urban centres, fostering a healthier environment and a better quality of life for all residents. This forward-thinking approach to freight logistics is an essential component of building resilient and responsible urban economies for the future.
