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Updated On: 30-Sep-2024 06:26 AM
SFC India and Telangana Govt. hosted a workshop to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India's freight sector.
In a collaborative effort to accelerate the adoption of Zero Emission Trucks (ZETs), Smart Freight Centre (SFC) India and the Government of Telangana conducted a ZET Enablement Workshop. The event brought together the key stakeholders to explore strategies and solutions for increasing the usage of electric trucks in the medium and heavy-duty truck (MHDT) freight sector. The workshop featured interactive discussions, presentations, and group sessions aimed at advancing sustainable freight practices in India.
Vijay Jaiswal, Director of SFC India, opened the workshop by emphasizing the critical need for a unified approach to adopting electric freight trucks. He highlighted the significance of collaboration between policy makers, industry partners, and the energy sector in creating a sustainable roadmap for electric truck adoption. This event is part of a larger initiative under the e-FAST platform, supported by 17 knowledge partners, to scale ZET pilots in Telangana and across India.
Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary to the Government of Telangana, underscored the importance of aligning sustainability with economic competitiveness in India's freight sector. He stated, “India’s freight sector is at a pivotal point where sustainability must be paired with economic growth. The adoption of Zero Emission Trucks represents a significant move towards decarbonizing the MHDT sector, in line with our national climate goals.”
Ranjan also highlighted Telangana's ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions, with electric mobility in the trucking sector playing a central role. He said, “Electric mobility in the trucking sector is a key part of our state’s strategy. With rapid advancements in AI and advanced technologies expected in the next 2-3 years, Telangana is well-positioned to lead in electric truck adoption.”
Gopalakrishnan VC, Director Automotive, Government of Telangana, shared details of the state’s electric vehicle (EV) policy, which provides incentives for manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development under the Telangana Mobility Valley initiative. He explained that ZET accelerators are playing a key role in scaling pilot projects and pushing the adoption of electric trucks.
Vijay Jaiswal reflected on the growing momentum of ZET adoption in India. “The demand for electric trucks is rapidly increasing, driven by a combination of environmental commitments and economic benefits. At the CEM Goa event in July 2023, 7,750 e-trucks were demanded under NITI Aayog’s e-FAST program, showcasing the rising interest in sustainable freight solutions.”
Amartya Awasthi from ASCI shared insights into the potential for electrifying mine haul trucks, which are major consumers of fuel. He also expressed support for SFC India’s initiatives to explore pathways for scaling electric trucks in India’s mining sector.
Suganth KS from RMI India presented the Zero Emission Trucking Accelerator, launched by Telangana Mobility Valley with technical support from RMI. He highlighted that the accelerator has already received applications from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), fleet operators, and infrastructure providers. The program aims to deploy ZET pilots in sectors like cement, mining, and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).
The workshop included interactive sessions and a roundtable discussion that focused on overcoming barriers to ZET adoption and identifying opportunities for collaboration. Participants worked in groups to discuss actionable steps needed for the successful implementation of electric trucks in Telangana.
The ZET Enablement Workshop Series is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable freight solutions in India. Workshops have already been held in cities like Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi, bringing together government officials, OEMs, logistics service providers (LSPs), and policymakers to address challenges and explore innovative solutions for ZET adoption.
By providing a platform for industry leaders and stakeholders to share knowledge and collaborate, this workshop and the ongoing series are helping to pave the way for a greener and more sustainable freight ecosystem in India.
The ZET Enablement Workshop marks a significant step towards accelerating the adoption of Zero Emission Trucks in India. As stakeholders continue to engage in these discussions, the future of sustainable freight looks promising, with long-term environmental and economic benefits for the nation.