Powering the Future of Green and Smart Logistics – Maxson Lewis, Managing Director and CEO, Magenta Mobility

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Q1: India’s EV logistics space has seen rapid growth—what major trends do you foresee shaping the sector in 2025 and beyond?

India’s EV logistics sector is entering a phase of accelerated maturity, driven by both macro and micro trends. At the macro level, increased corporate focus on sustainability and green logistics mandates by progressive cities like Delhi are setting the tone. At the micro level, fleet operators are doubling down on cost optimization through improved Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), Telematics-based route planning, real-time vehicle diagnostics, and advanced energy management systems. These innovations are boosting efficiency while reducing operational costs. The rollout of rapid, interoperable EV charging infrastructure will be a major enabler, alongside evolving state policies and regulatory incentives. Additionally, models like Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) and Vehicle-as-a-Service (VaaS) are helping ease capex challenges for operators. With growing consumer demand for green and same-day deliveries, EVs are poised to become a strategic advantage. 2025 and beyond will mark the shift of EV logistics from isolated pilots to a scalable, mainstream logistics solution.

Q2: Magenta is using AI and IoT to improve fleet efficiency by 20%. Could you share some specific innovations or use cases driving this improvement?

At Magenta, deep tech is central to how we scale our fleet and operations across clients and geographies.

Our focus today is on building robust IoT and telematics platforms that deliver measurable operational improvements. Our IoT-enabled system tracks vehicle health, driver behavior, and energy consumption in real-time, enabling predictive maintenance and minimizing unplanned downtime. This foundation is already driving significant efficiency gains. 

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While our AI and ML capabilities are still maturing and I will not say we are there yet, we are actively developing tools like an AI-powered route optimization engine that will factor in live traffic, battery levels, weather, and delivery urgency—potentially contributing up to 15% efficiency gains. 

Another upcoming innovation we are planning is smart load allocation, which will optimize vehicle assignments based on payload and range. We’re also working on energy forecasting models to optimize charging during off-peak hours. 

Together, these technologies will offer a holistic, data-driven view of fleet operations, positioning us for scalable, tech-enabled growth.

Q3: Magenta has committed to reducing over 1,500 tons of CO₂ annually. How are you tracking and measuring your environmental impact, and what are your targets for the coming years?

We use a robust, data-driven carbon accounting system to track our emissions reductions in real time. Our proprietary NorMinc platform aggregates data from EV kilometers driven, fuel replaced, battery usage, and energy sources to calculate precise CO₂ avoidance. These figures are benchmarked against ICE (internal combustion engine) baselines using internationally recognized emission factors. 

Additionally, we integrate third-party audits and carbon tracking standards like the GHG Protocol to validate our results. To date, our EV fleet has helped eliminate over 2,300 tons of CO₂ annually, and we’re scaling this impact as we expand into new geographies and customer segments. Our target is to double this figure by 2027 through increased fleet electrification, renewable-powered charging stations, and expanded deployment of Technology for operational efficiency. Sustainability is not just a metric for us—it’s a commitment woven into every layer of our business model and decision-making process.

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Q4: With fuel prices fluctuating and sustainability becoming a boardroom priority, are you seeing a shift in how large enterprises approach their logistics strategies?

Absolutely. There is a marked shift in how enterprises approach logistics, with EVs moving from experimental pilots to strategic enablers of cost control and ESG alignment. 

High and unpredictable fuel prices have accelerated the need for long-term cost certainty, and EVs offer a compelling solution with lower running and maintenance costs. Meanwhile, sustainability has moved from CSR to the CFO’s dashboard—logistics now play a critical role in helping companies meet Scope 3 emissions targets. We are seeing a growing demand for green logistics partners who can offer transparent emissions data, real-time tracking, and verifiable impact. Several of our enterprise clients are embedding EV logistics into their procurement mandates and incentivizing vendors who align with their climate goals. In effect, logistics is no longer just a backend function—it’s becoming a visible, strategic pillar of enterprise sustainability, resilience, and brand reputation.

Q5: What message would you like to share with traditional logistics businesses that are still hesitant about adopting EV solutions?

‘Electricity is the new Oil’. To traditional logistics players still on the fence, this would be my simple position. The transition to electric is no longer a question of “if,” but “when”—and those who act early will have a clear competitive edge. 

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EVs are now backed by proven economics, scalable technology, and strong policy support. Initial challenges like range anxiety, charging infrastructure, and total cost of ownership have seen significant improvements. Moreover, customers and enterprises are actively seeking greener logistics partners, making EV adoption a business growth lever—not just a sustainability checkbox. At Magenta, we have helped traditional fleets transition with minimal disruption and tangible ROI, leveraging our Telematics platforms and deep operational expertise.

The risk today lies not in adopting EVs, but in delaying the shift and losing relevance. Embrace the change—it’s not just good for the planet, it’s smart business.

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