The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) is dedicated to formulating an inclusive Electric Vehicle (EV) strategy aligned with the Government of India’s vision of Viksit Bharat. In pursuit of this goal, the MHI has recently established an EV task force, with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) taking the lead on matters concerning electric trucks and associated infrastructure development in India.
This task force, formed in collaboration with key stakeholders such as the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and other relevant agencies, aims to engage with industry players through workshops and stakeholder meetings. The objective is to gather insights and recommendations on various aspects of e-truck adoption and the necessary infrastructure.
The transportation sector stands as the fastest-growing contributor to climate change, with medium and heavy-duty trucks, though constituting only 2% of the total vehicle population in India, contributing to 45% of the overall vehicular road transport emissions. Accelerated adoption of EVs is crucial for India to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Hence, initiating efforts towards the electrification of trucks is of paramount importance.
“We are eager to participate in the MHI’s task force. Leveraging ICCT’s expertise in researching e-trucks and EVs, we aim to conduct thorough stakeholder consultations to provide comprehensive insights and analysis for the sector. Electrifying trucks in India will not only promote sustainable transportation but also enhance commercial activities,” stated Amit Bhatt, ICCT’s India Managing Director.
