In a significant push toward sustainable freight transport, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has released a landmark report titled “ZET Adoption in India and Its Impact on Emission and Energy” (June 2025). The report, launched today, presents a comprehensive assessment of India’s Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck (M&HDT) sector and outlines a roadmap for accelerating the adoption of Battery Electric Trucks (BETs) to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
The study projects that BETs will emerge as the primary Zero-Emission Technology (ZET) for the freight sector in the coming decades, amid current constraints in hydrogen infrastructure and production economics. As the backbone of India’s logistics ecosystem, M&HDTs currently account for nearly 70% of freight operations and approximately 40% of the country’s fuel consumption, making them a focal point in the nation’s decarbonization efforts.
“The adoption of ZETs is a crucial step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing energy security. As a nation committed to achieving Net Zero by 2070, the electrification of freight transport will play a transformative role in shaping a cleaner and more efficient logistics ecosystem,” said Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
Backed by a year-long data-driven exercise, the report incorporates extensive analysis and projections informed by historical data from institutions such as the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Vahan portal, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG), and Ministry of Power (MoP). It also includes insights gathered through interviews with key stakeholders—ranging from major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and logistics operators to experts from end-use industries across India.
The report emphasizes the urgent need for early-stage interventions, including enhanced fiscal incentives, BET-specific product innovation, and robust charging infrastructure, to build confidence in electric trucking. It highlights the dual benefit of emission reduction and energy savings, offering clear guidance for policymakers, industry leaders, and investors working to future-proof India’s freight sector.
As freight demand continues to rise, the findings serve as a clarion call for collaborative action to transition to a zero-emission logistics network—an essential step toward achieving India’s climate commitments and energy transition goals.
