India plans battery electric truck shift to cut freight emissions
Author: PPD Team Date: 04/07/2025
On 1 July 2025, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser released a report on “ZET Adoption in India and Its Impact on Emission and Energy.” It focuses on transitioning Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks (M&HDTs) to Battery Electric Trucks (BETs).
Freight trucks handle 70% of India’s logistics and consume 40% of its fuel. The report says shifting to BETs can sharply reduce emissions and fuel demand by mid-century. It assumes BETs will lead the transition for now, given the high cost and poor infrastructure for green hydrogen.
The analysis is based on data from SIAM, Vahan, MoRTH, MoPNG, and MoP, as well as interviews with OEMs, truck operators, and end-use industries.
Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, said, “The adoption of ZETs is a crucial step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing energy security. Electrification of freight transport will play a transformative role in shaping a cleaner and more efficient logistics ecosystem.”