In a major move to advance sustainable logistics, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) has launched India's first fleet of heavy-duty electric trucks with swappable batteries.

The initiative, flagged off by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal, establishes JNPA as the country's port with the largest electric vehicle truck fleet. The launch event also included the commissioning of a heavy-duty battery swapping station and a significant signing ceremony.

The induction of these state-of-the-art EV trucks marks a pivotal step in JNPA's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The port authority has set an ambitious goal to convert 90 percent of its internal fleet of approximately 600 heavy trucks to electric power by December 2026. The initial rollout includes 50 trucks, with plans to expand the fleet to 80 by the end of the year.

During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between JNPA and the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP) at Ashoka University, Delhi. This collaboration aims to create a standardised framework for port authorities to determine tariffs, using both cost and port benchmarking for various cargo types.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised the wider impact of the initiative. "When JNPA takes a decisive step in electrifying its fleet of logistics vehicles, it sends a message that India's ports are ready to embrace the future, ready to pioneer practices that will set benchmarks for sustainability, efficiency, and innovation," he stated. Sonowal also noted JNPA's consistent achievements, including its recent ranking among the top 25 global ports in the World Bank's Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).

Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairperson of JNPA, and CMD, VPLL, highlighted the initiative as a ‘paradigmatic leap’ toward a cleaner, greener future for port operations. "As custodians of India's largest container port, it is incumbent upon us to embrace innovation that reconciles economic dynamism with ecological responsibility," he said.

This project is a key component of India's broader logistics transformation, aligning with the PM Gati Shakti initiative and the National Logistics Policy (NLP). By deploying these EV trucks, JNPA is:

• Demonstrating alignment with India's national energy transition goals, particularly the commitment to achieve a net-zero target by 2070.
• Supporting the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) by showcasing a commercial-scale adoption of EVs in a high-throughput logistics environment.
• Reducing emissions, particulate pollution, and noise within the port.
• Establishing a model for other major and non-major ports in India to follow.

Comments (1)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

• 

  - Nandan Bhojraj September 26, 2025 15:38 PM

  Heartiest congratulations to Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal and Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairperson of JNPA, and CMD, VPLL for a environment saving Initiative! Heartiest congratulations to EIM - Energy in Motion- a great EV trucks company with Swappable batteries! EIM is India's most efficient and latest technology battery swappable truck company! Nandan Bhojraj BE MBA

  Reply

Chennai-based commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland has commenced deliveries of the 24 units of AVTR 55T Electric trucks to ASAT Logistics, which is the strategic logistics partner for Shree Cement.

The keys to the first batch of four trucks were handed over by Sanjeev Kumar, President - MHCV, Ashok Leyland, to Arvind Sarda, CEO, ASAT Logistics.

The trucks use lithium-ion battery technology with dual-gun charging and are compatible with industry-standard trailers and superstructures. The vehicles include a cabin, automatic transmission, telematics and a suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) and safety features.

Sanjeev Kumar, said, “We are thrilled to deliver the first batch of 4 units of our AVTR 55T Electric trucks to ASAT Logistics. These trucks highlight our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and performance in the commercial vehicle sector. This partnership reflects the growing confidence in our electric mobility solutions and reinforces our position as a technology leader in the logistics ecosystem. As we continue to push the boundaries of clean transportation, we remain focused on delivering reliable, efficient, and future-ready mobility solutions.”

Arvind Sarda, said, “We have complete trust in the quality and performance of Ashok Leyland trucks. Together with Shree Cement, we embark on a journey toward a cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable future. We thank Ashok Leyland for delivering the technologically advanced AVTR 55T Electric trucks, enabling us to take further our commitment to building a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation ecosystem. With Ashok Leyland’s dedication to innovation and our forward-thinking approach to logistics for Shree Cement, we look forward to continued success on the road.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, one of India’s leading players in the commercial vehicle segment, has unveiled what it claims is its most advanced intercity platform yet – the all-new Tata LPO 1822 bus chassis.

The Tata LPO 1822 is said to provide a superior ride experience through its full-air suspension and low NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) attributes – ensuring a fatigue-free journey for passengers and drivers alike. It is available in flexible configurations ranging from 36-seaters to 50-seaters and sleeper layouts.

Anand S, Vice-President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, “India’s intercity transport ecosystem is undergoing a transformation, driven by rising connectivity and growing passenger expectations. The Tata LPO 1822 is an advanced product – combining superior ride quality, robust engineering and intelligent features to deliver unmatched value. It is a win-win for passengers, drivers and fleet owners – elevating comfort, enhancing safety and improving profitability.”

The LPO 1822 is powered by a 5.6-litre Cummins diesel engine, which delivers 220hp and 925Nm of torque. The chassis also serves as the underpinning for the fully built Tata Magna Coach.

As part of aftersales peace-of-mind, the LPO 1822 comes with a complimentary four-year subscription to Fleet Edge, Tata Motors’ next generation connected vehicle platform, which provides real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance and data-driven fleet optimisation.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

European commercial vehicle major the TRATON Group saw a 16 percent decline in unit sales YoY in Q3 of CY2025, amidst a market environment.

Based on preliminary figures, the group sold 71,400 vehicles in Q3 CY2025, down from 85,300 in the same quarter last year. Unit sales for the first nine months of 2025 amounted to 224,500 vehicles, a 9 percent decrease. Sales of all-electric vehicles rose by 55 percent in the quarter to 820 units.

Scania Vehicles & Services recorded a 1 percent drop in unit sales in Q3 CY2025. Sales in Europe offset decreasing unit sales in Brazil, where the market continues to have high dealer inventory levels and rising interest rates.

MAN Truck & Bus increased its unit sales by 24 percent in Q3 CY2025. Truck sales increased YoY despite the European truck market. Sales of buses and MAN TGE vans supported the increase.

International Motors saw a 57 percent decrease in unit sales compared to the prior-year quarter, when a delivery backlog caused by a plant fire was resolved. The US truck market remains weak, with tariff-related uncertainties and a freight recession continuing.

Volkswagen Truck & Bus (VWTB) recorded a 4 percent decrease in unit sales in Q3 CY2025. The slowdown in the Brazilian market is impacting VWTB, although South American markets such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru show trends of growth. VWTB increased unit sales by 3 percent in the first 9-months of 2025 due to a strong Q1.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles has commenced delivery of the Tata Prima E.55S battery electric prime-mover to Enviiiro Wheels Mobility, a provider of commercial transport solutions for the power, mining, cement and steel sectors.

The first batch of the fleet was handed over today in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. The heavy-duty, zero-emission trucks will transport minerals and ores.

The Prima E.55S features an integrated e-axle and regenerative braking for range. The vehicle offers a range of up to 350 km on a charge. It includes a 3-speed Auto Shift transmission with an e-axle for efficiency and performance and dual gun fast charging capability.

Safety features include a Driver Monitoring System, Lane Departure Warning, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System and Cruise Control, along with an Electronic Braking System and ADAS features. The Prima cabin includes a pneumatically suspended seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel to boost driver productivity.

Praveen Somani, Managing Director, Enviiiro Wheels Mobility and Director, Inland World Logistics, said, “As a young company committed to making logistics sustainable, the addition of Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles’ advanced electric prime movers to our fleet marks a defining step towards decarbonised operations. With zero emissions, superior performance, and advanced safety and comfort features, the Prima E.55S is an ideal choice to support our customers’ net zero goals. Backed by Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles’ proven after-sales ecosystem, we are confident of building a future-ready fleet that sets new benchmarks in clean and efficient mineral and ore transportation.”

Rajesh Kaul, Vice-President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, "We are delighted to deliver the first batch of Prima E.55S electric prime movers to Enviiiro Wheels Mobility. As the market leader in the trucks segment, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles is proud to lead India’s transition to sustainable freight with advanced solutions. These robustly engineered vehicles align closely with Enviiiro Wheels’ sustainability goals, advancing greener operations while delivering long-term value.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!