Accelerated electric vehicle uptake across industry sectors and vehicle types is essential for India to meet its net zero goal and emission targets. Medium and heavy-duty trucks comprise only 2% of the total vehicle population but contribute to 30% of the overall vehicular road transport emissions. Given this disproportionate share of emissions, there is a need for increased ambition and a faster transition.
Climate Group, in partnership with pManifold Business Solutions, launched a Dialogue Series and E-trucks Leadership Group in India as part of the electrification of Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicles (MHDVs) initiative. The launch was followed by an insightful panel discussion with Cristiano Facanha (Global Director and Head, Drive to Zero Program, CALSTART), Vikrant Vaidya (Partner and Lead, EV Systems Engineering, pManifold Business Solutions) and Atul Mudaliar (Head of Business Action, India, Climate Group).
Learnings from global momentum for electrification of MHDVs, the replicability of foundational ZEV technologies in new markets, the apprehensions of manufacturers and fleet operators, and the role of policy were some key aspects that were discussed. Identifying and investing in viable use-cases very early on will be crucial for the accelerated uptake of e-trucks in India. Additionally, the approach to financing the transition and suitable business models for India were highlighted.
The panel brought forward the significance of India joining international networks so that best practices could be shared. It would also ensure the country’s participation in the ongoing wave of market transformation and investment in manufacturing capacity. The need for ambition, incentives and regulation was emphasised for an expedited transition.
You can watch a recording of the full event, in case you missed it.
Launch of the E-trucks Leadership Group
During the session, the E-trucks Leadership Group was launched. It will be the primary industry engagement engine to promote knowledge sharing and policy advocacy with the aim of establishing itself as a progressive business voice for the initiative. It will include OEMs, service providers and businesses looking to electrify their freight fleets. We call on businesses to join this Leadership Group and facilitate a faster transition by pledging to accelerate the supply and adoption of electrified freight vehicles in India.
The MHDV electrification initiative aims to catalyse the transition by propelling business actions and bringing together all stakeholders in the freight ecosystem. We will create a platform for knowledge sharing and dialogue, identifying and co-charting India’s freight decarbonisation pathway. Led by Climate Group, the initiative was jointly conceived by World Business Council for Sustainable Development, with pManifold Business Solutions as the technical partner and with the We Mean Business Coalition, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation and ClimateWorks Foundation as supporting partners.
In case you have any questions or would like to join the E-trucks Leadership Group, please reach out to Kumar Nitant ([email protected])