Tata, Ashok Leyland Bet On Green Trucks, But Will Fleet Owners Pay?
The Indian transport industry is embarking on a journey to make zero-emission trucks a reality, despite the seeming contradiction in the term. Major players like Ashok Leyland and Tata Motors are exploring various technologies and supply chain developments to accelerate the production of electric and hydrogen-powered trucks.
Ashok Leyland, which holds a significant market share in the commercial vehicle sector, is actively pursuing partnerships, technology investments, and in-house developments to establish local supply chains for electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen-powered vehicles (H2ICE). The company is not limiting itself to a single technology but is working on a range of options, including fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV), H2ICE vehicles, liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles, and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.
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Tata Motors, with its dominant presence in the truck market, is also investing in alternative fuel technologies to expand its production of commercial vehicles across various segments, from light and medium-duty vehicles (L&MDV) to heavy-duty vehicles (HDV). The choice of technology for transitioning to alternative fuels will depend on factors such as segment, demand, and truck utility.
The Indian trucking market is vast, with millions of vehicles in operation annually. However, the challenge lies in convincing fleet owners, especially those with smaller operations, to adopt these new technologies. The upfront cost of electric trucks is considerably higher than traditional diesel counterparts, making it essential to demonstrate the long-term economic benefits.
To address these challenges, some states in India are identifying and developing zero-emission freight corridors with heavy-duty charging infrastructure, making it more feasible for truck owners to consider electric options. Policymakers and industry stakeholders recognise the need for clear regulations and policies to support the transition to zero-emission trucks (ZETs) while offering incentives to both manufacturers and buyers.
The trucking industry is advocating for incentives and regulations that encompass a wide range of clean technologies, not just electric vehicles. Collaborative efforts and a holistic approach are seen as key to achieving a successful green transition in the freight sector. Financing issues, higher lending rates for ZETs, and the absence of a defined policy on zero-emission trucks in India are some of the hurdles that need to be addressed.
While the path to zero-emission trucks in India presents challenges, the industry is committed to exploring various technologies and building the necessary infrastructure to make it a reality. Collaborative efforts, government support, and market incentives will play crucial roles in accelerating this green transition in the commercial vehicle sector.
